CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy)

CBT is the most extensively studied psychotherapy approach. The framework was developed by Aaron Beck (cognitive therapy) and Albert Ellis (rational emotive behaviour therapy) in the 1960s and 1970s, and combines cognitive techniques (identifying and revising distorted thoughts) with behavioural techniques (exposure, behavioural activation, skills training).

For anxiety disorders, CBT has effect sizes around d = 1.5 to 2.0 in well-designed trials. The protocol typically runs 12 to 20 sessions. For specific phobias and performance anxiety, the course is often shorter (6 to 12 sessions).

For comparison: SSRIs and SNRIs have effect sizes around d = 0.5 to 1.0 for anxiety. EFT has effect sizes around d = 1.23. Reiki shows significant effect with effect sizes typically in the d = 0.5 to 1.0 range. CBT has the largest effect sizes among first-line evidence-based options for most anxiety presentations.

CBT is the WHO-recommended first-line treatment for most anxiety disorders, depression, and many other presentations. The VA recommends CBT alongside EMDR as first-line for PTSD.

Limitations: requires a trained therapist (cost barrier in many regions); requires cognitive-engagement capacity (less suitable during acute crisis); does not always reach the autonomic-regulation layer that body-based work addresses directly. Combined approaches that pair CBT with body-based work (EFT, Reiki, somatic experiencing) consistently outperform either alone for the substantial subgroup of patients who respond partially to CBT.

The evidence base in this article positions energy healing as a complement to first-line treatment like CBT, not a replacement. CBT is the evidence-based ceiling for most presentations; body-based work earns its place by addressing what CBT does not target directly.