What CBT aims to do is to help you to swim to the edge of the river and climb onto the bank
. From this vantage point a more complete range of options becomes visible, options that were hard to see when you were struggling to survive the river. For example you may decide to build a raft, hire a speedboat or buy some wellington boot and paddle in the shallow waters. Or you may decide to jump back into the river and continue as before, but you will be doing so with a full awareness of the other options that are available to you. By teaching you the skills (practical and psychological) to solve your problem, CBT will enable you to reach a greater understanding of your problem and the other options that are available to you. It will help you take a step back from your problem and become your own therapist, standing on the bank of the river determining the course your life takes.