Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

What is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)?

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is a proactive, here and now focused therapy which aims to help you to become aware of how your thoughts and behaviours influence your emotions, and how to make changes in these areas to help manage your emotions and improve your mental health and functioning.

How does CBT work?

CBT is a talking therapy and sessions will involve us coming to a joint understanding of how your thoughts and behaviours are impacting on your mood, and the vicious cycles that have developed in these areas. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends CBT therapy for a range of disorders such as Generalised Anxiety Disorder, Social Phobia and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.

In our sessions we will discuss and agree your therapy goals and main focus for treatment. Therapy will then involve using NICE recommended, evidence based treatment protocolCBT is a talking therapy, and includes all of the core elements present in other talking therapies such as time to explore and process feelings in a safe and none judgemental environment. Where it differs to other talking therapies is that it has a structured, goal focused approach aiming to provide clients with practical tools and strategies. Although attention is of course given to the past where needed, CBT has a primary focus on helping alleviate symptoms in the here and now.s in a tailored, personal way for you. As well as our sessions together, we will agree on homework for you to complete outside of sessions which may involve keeping diaries, or doing experiments to test out your thoughts. As with learning any new skill, the more time and effort you put into your therapy, the more you will benefit.

What CBT is used for

National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends CBT therapy for a range of disorders such as:

  • Generalised Anxiety Disorder

  • Social Phobia

  • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

  • Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

  • Depression and low self esteem

  • Phobias

  • Panic disorder and agoraphobia

  • Health anxiety and death phobia

Some examples of problems that I have worked with using CBT are as follows:

  • A client who developed health anxiety, depression and death phobia during the pandemic

  • A client who was experiencing panic attacks, flashbacks and depression following a serious car accident

  • A client who’d had social anxiety since high school and was finding it a real struggle to attend job interviews or see friends 

  • A client who had experienced worry and low confidence since childhood which was then affecting work and relationships  

 

Does CBT work?

CBT is a very effective therapy, but it is not suitable for everyone, or for every problem. I will always do an initial consultation with you to discuss what you are wanting support with and whether CBT could be helpful. This also allows you to speak to me and see if you feel that I am a good match for you. Finding a therapist who you feel comfortable with is a very important part of your therapy journey.

 

How does CBT differ from other forms of therapy?

CBT is a talking therapy, and includes all of the core elements present in other talking therapies such as time to explore and process feelings in a safe and none judgemental environment. Where it differs to other talking therapies is that it has a structured, goal focused approach aiming to provide clients with practical tools and strategies. Although attention is of course given to the past where needed, CBT has a primary focus on helping alleviate symptoms in the here and now.

 

How long does cognitive behavioural therapy last?

How many sessions a client needs varies depending on their goals and symptoms, however on average most conditions are treated within 12-16 sessions.