What is CBT?
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a problem focused and action-oriented talking therapy.
It focuses on how your thoughts, beliefs and attitudes affect how you feel and behave, and teaches you to challenge unhelpful thinking and behavioural patterns and to build helpful coping skills.
CBT is one of the most common and effective treatments for a range of mental health problems, from anxiety and depression to phobias and addictions. It is an evidence based, clinically proven therapy recommended by The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE).
How does CBT work?
CBT is based on the theory that our thoughts, feelings, physical sensations and behaviours are linked, therefore how we think about a situation can affect the way we feel and behave. Simply put, what we think and do affects how we feel.
How does CBT therapy work?
A CBT therapist will help you to identify and challenge any negative thinking patterns and behaviour which may be causing you difficulties.
During the sessions, you'll work with your therapist to break down your problems into their separate parts, such as your thoughts, physical feelings and actions. Your therapist will then be able to help you work out how to change unhelpful thoughts and behaviours.
Frequency of sessions
You will usually have a session with a therapist either weekly or fortnightly. Some of our clients start with weekly sessions and as they begin to experience positive change, reduce to fortnightly.
Duration
CBT is a goal orientated form of therapy and some clients only need a course of 6 sessions. The number of sessions depends on a number of factors, however treatment usually lasts for between 5 and 20 sessions, with each session lasting between 50 and 90 minutes.
Become your own therapist
As part of your treatment plan, your therapist will ask you to practise these changes in your daily life between sessions and progress will be monitored, reviewed and discussed at each session.
CBT is psychoeducative in nature and our aim is to teach you to apply the skills you have learnt during treatment to your daily life and become your own therapist.
CBT is effective in treating
CBT has been shown to be an effective way of treating a number of different mental health conditions. It is recommended by national guidelines such as The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) as an effective talking therapy for many different psychological issues.
CBT can be used to treat:
| Anxiety disorders including social anxiety and panic attacks |
Depression and low mood |
|
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) |
Fears and phobias |
|
Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome (PTSD) |
Eating disorders such as Anorexia and Bulimia |
|
Addictions and substance misuse |
Anger management and Stress management |
|
Relationship issues |
Sleep problems such as Insomnia |
Get in touch
We know that taking the first step engaging with therapy can feel daunting which is why we offer a free 15 minute telephone consultation. We would love to speak to you and answer any questions you have.