About
What is CBT therapy?
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CBT stands for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.
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It’s a structured, evidence-based form of talking therapy that focuses on the connection between a person’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. The idea is that negative or unhelpful thinking patterns can influence emotions and actions, and by recognising and changing these patterns, people can improve their mental health and wellbeing.
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Key points about CBT:
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Practical and goal-focused – usually short- to medium-term (often 6–20 sessions).
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Problem-oriented – it helps people tackle specific difficulties rather than exploring their whole life history.
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Skills-based – clients learn coping strategies they can continue to use long after therapy ends.
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Collaborative – therapist and client work together as a team.
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What it can help with:
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Anxiety disorders (general anxiety, panic, phobias, social anxiety)
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Depression and low mood
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PTSD and trauma-related issues
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OCD (obsessive–compulsive disorder)
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Eating disorders
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Stress management
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Low self-esteem
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Anger and emotional regulation difficulties
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What to Expect in a CBT Session
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CBT sessions are structured, practical, and tailored to your goals. Here’s what usually happens:
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Getting Started (Check-in)
At the beginning of each session, we review how things have been since the last meeting—what went well, what was difficult, and any situations you’d like to focus on. -
Setting an Agenda
Together, we agree on the most important topics to work on that day. This helps make sure the session feels focused and useful to you. -
Exploring Thoughts, Feelings, and Behaviours
We look at specific situations where you may have felt anxious, low, or stuck. By breaking these down, we explore the patterns between your thoughts, emotions, and actions. -
Learning New Tools and Strategies
I’ll introduce practical techniques—such as reframing unhelpful thoughts, relaxation skills, problem-solving, or behaviour experiments—that you can try out between sessions. -
Practice and Reflection
You’ll have the chance to apply what you learn in real-life situations. We then review what worked, what didn’t, and adjust strategies together. -
Next Steps
At the end of the session, we agree on a small, manageable step to practice before the next meeting. This helps build progress gradually and keeps therapy moving forward.