| Interventions |
Intervention The intervention spans an 8-week period, consisting of eight weekly sessions, each lasting one hour. The cognitive behavioral therapy will be conducted by registered psychotherapists, specialized in conducting cognitive behavioral therapy. The first session will focus on the rationale of cognitive behavioral therapy, i.e. the influence of (irrational or dysfunctional) cognitions and attitudes on (maladaptive) feelings and behaviors. Additionally, goal setting will be initiated. These therapy goals will be unique for each patient. The subsequent sessions (2-6) will be targeted at identifying and amending irrational cognitions and attitudes related to IBD. Each session will address specific illness-related cognitions. Additionally, patients will be taught how dysfunctional cognitions and attitudes affect adversely feelings and behaviors. These dysfunctional cognitions and attitudes will be challenged and replaced by functional cognitions and attitudes. After each session, patients will be given home work. For example, patients will be asked to register negative experiences, and accompanying cognitions, feelings and behaviors. Clearly, some of the negative cognitions are realistic and reflect the limitations that the disease imposes. Such thoughts will be worked through, accepted or resolved. Finally, in the last two sessions, the newly learned cognitions and attitudes will be consolidated. |