The Evidence

Advances in the brain sciences and cognitive psychology are actively informing our understanding of the human mind, human behaviour, health and illness. We provide a very practical, common sense, cognitive behavioural approach that can help identify and change negative patterns of thinking or behaviour - increasing engagement and resilience.

There is a large body of research evidence that shows that an individual's attitude, beliefs, and patterns of thinking are the ultimate arbiters of behaviour. Patterns of thinking and behaviour are relevant because they impact on all areas of human experience and endeavour.

Extensive research studies have shown that cognitive and behavioural factors exert a powerful influence on the onset and maintenance of many illnesses.

There is a continuum of susceptibility, from vulnerability to resilience, and the 'person-illness' dynamic can be powerfully influenced by changing a range of contextual, cognitive and behavioural factors.

The cognitive behavioural approach is very practical - it helps people recognise problems and develop effective problem-solving techniques. It already has extensive application in healthcare because it has been shown, from good quality research studies, to create and maintain good health, and well-being.

Understanding and using cognitive and behavioural strategies can benefit employees and improve business performance. Our input is directly informed by proven cognitive and behavioural techniques because they offer a simple, practical and effective approach for helping people improve their own health. The overall aim is to encourage people to understand, take responsibility for, and manage their own problems and issues.

A cognitive behavioural approach - motivating positive change
The cognitive behavioural approach is essentially a common-sense approach with explicitly agreed goals. It is a problem-solving, solution-focused approach that helps individuals and teams identify and change unhelpful patterns of thinking, beliefs and patterns of behaviour that contribute to problems and ill health.

Cognitive and behavioural strategies have been extensively researched and are now widely recommended as the proven method for promoting psychological well-being, as well as preventing and improving a wide range of physical and stress related conditions as recommended by the National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence.

The British Occupational Health Research Foundation (www.bohrf.org.uk) recommend cognitive behavioural therapy as the preferred approach for people with psychological problems in the workplace. ('Workplace Interventions for people with Common Mental Health Problems' Seymour, L & Grove, B; 2005).

CBT is a proven strategy for helping people return to work after illness and  is recommended by the Department of Work and Pensions - CBT is now central to the Incapacity Benefit Pathways to Work

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) recommend CBT as the treatment of choice for stress related problems; anxiety; depression. www.nice.org.uk

The Institute of Directors (Guide to well-being at work 2006)

Price Waterhouse Coopers (PWC) Building the case for wellness (2008) Price Waterhouse Coopers were commissioned by the Government to consider the business case, and specifically the economic case, for employers to invest in wellness programmes for their staff. PwC found considerable evidence from literature reviews and over 50 UK based research studies that health and well-being programmes have a positive impact on intermediate and bottom-line benefits. Intermediate business benefits include reduced sickness absence, reduced staff turnover, reduced accidents and injuries, reduced resource allocation, increased employee satisfaction, a higher company profile, and higher productivity. The message is clear: good health is good for business 'positive impact on the bottom line' www.workingforhealth.gov.uk

The Health and Safety Executive (Health, Work and Well-being 2005), Prevention is better than cure. Research commissioned for the UK's Health and Safety Executive (HSE) supports the view that a preventative approach is more effective in achieving a reduction in work-related stress.

CIPD (What's happening with well-being at work? 2006)

Lord Richard Layard is Professor of Economics at the London School of Economics and author of 'Mental Health - Britain's biggest social problem?' He has persuaded the Government to spend £170 million on improving access to CBT. Lord Layard has looked at the health economics and has become a powerful and active advocate for increasing access to CBT - because it makes sound financial sense. http://cep.lse.ac.uk

Link to www.cbt-edu.co.uk

Exercise
There is robust evidence showing how exercise improves physical health and reduces the incidence of a wide range of physical illnesses including some cancers, heart disease, diabetes, hypertension  and osteoporosis among others. More recently, a growing body of evidence is highlighting the beneficial impact of exercise in the prevention and treatment of mental health problems.

Diet
The food we eat directly affects the structure, substance and performance of our brain and our body. There is good evidence that our diet plays an important part in the prevention of physical illness and poor mental health. A healthy diet is important in the promotion of good mental health. (www.mentalhealth.org.uk 'feeding minds')