By Noor Eszereen Juferi
Photo by Saleha Haron
SERDANG, 23 January– Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) continues to gain recognition as one of the most effective psychotherapeutic approaches for addressing mental health issues in Malaysia, in tandem with growing public awareness of the importance of psychological well-being.
Prof Dr Firdaus Mukhtar, a lecturer at the Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, said CBT is an evidence-based therapy that focuses on the relationship between an individual’s thoughts, emotions and behaviours.
“CBT helps patients understand how negative thought patterns influence their emotions and actions. Through this therapy, patients are taught to identify, challenge and restructure unrealistic or harmful thoughts,” she said during her Inaugural Lecture titled ‘The Power of Thoughts and Action: Advancing Healthcare through the Science of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.’
Prof further explained that CBT is widely used to treat disorders such as depression and anxiety, which often present with both emotional and physical symptoms, including fear, sadness, restlessness, palpitations, trembling and extreme fatigue.
“For example, patients with depression often view themselves as failures or as worthless. In CBT, we help them re-examine these beliefs by drawing on evidence from past experiences, including achievements they have attained, to rebuild more realistic and healthier patterns of thinking,” she said.
Commenting on the development of CBT in the country, Prof Dr Firdaus noted that the approach has been practised in Malaysia since the 1980s and has continued to evolve through adaptation to the local cultural context.
“CBT is not focused solely on cognition. It is a combination of cognitive and behavioural elements. Healthy thinking must be supported by healthy behavioural changes to achieve holistic recovery,” she said.
She added that CBT differs from general counselling, as it is grounded in a structured clinical model designed specifically to treat mental disorders.
“CBT is not merely counselling. It is a structured psychotherapeutic intervention used to address mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety,” she said.
In terms of treatment duration, she said international modules typically recommend between eight and 12 sessions, although clinical experience suggests that shorter durations can also yield positive outcomes.
“Based on experience, about eight sessions are often sufficient to help patients improve how they think and how they respond in their daily lives,” she said.
Addressing public misconceptions about mental illness, Prof Dr Firdaus stressed that depression and anxiety are not simply emotional issues or personal weaknesses.
“Depression and anxiety are not imaginary conditions. They involve changes in brain chemistry, physiological responses and behavioural patterns. Anyone can experience them regardless of background,” she said.
She also noted that the integration of CBT with modern approaches such as mindfulness reflects the need for more holistic treatment strategies to address contemporary mental health challenges.
“With professional training, ongoing research and greater public acceptance, CBT is expected to continue playing a vital role in strengthening the nation’s mental healthcare system,” she said.
