This tag collects particular cognitive behavioural techniques that are specifically useful in working with SubstanceUseDisorder such as Cannabis. You might also want to read about Cognitive Behavioural therapy in general.

The Cognitive Behavioural Therapist's Stance: a SHARED exploration

Cognitive Behavioural therapists attempt to work alongside clients, fostering a sense that they and the client are co-workers approaching the problem, rather like scientists inquiring into an area of research together; each brings areas of special expertise.

Keeping engagement

The Practitioner has expertise in techniques, and from her previous experience in work with other clients. The young person has expertise about him or herself - it is helpful to stress this ("You are the world expert on being you - more than I could ever hope to be!") as one of a range of other Engagement techniques. (See also Experts By Experience.)

This is an externalisation of the problem/challenge - which helps the young person to avoid feeling stigmatised (Engagement). The challenge is for both practitioner and client to develop an understanding of the mechanism by which the problem arises: ("Which thoughts/beliefs, and which feelings, tend to drive the use of Cannabis/other harmful behaviours?") Then, their task is to develop rational approaches to modifying those causative factors that have been identified. Cognitive Behavioural approaches are, in the best sense of the phrase, codified common sense.

What techiques are there

See the related (tagged) content for a list of CBT techniques