Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

What is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy?

The main premise of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is that thoughts, behaviours, emotions and physical sensations are all interconnected. Therefore, by changing our behaviours and challenging the way we think will, inturn, alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety. 

Throughout our lives we may develop unhelpful thinking habits which may lead to negative emotions. When we are feeling low and anxious we may find that we withdraw and isolate ourselves, or avoid situations which make us feel anxious. This will provide us with short-term relief, but in the long term will feed back into our negative thoughts and emotions, creating a vicious cycle. 


What CBT treatment looks like: 

The number of sessions offered depends on each individuals difficulties. On average CBT lasts 12 to 20 sessions on a weekly basis, each of which are 55 minutes. However, if your difficulty is more complex, you may require further sessions.

In therapy we aim to analyse your cycles of low mood and anxiety and identify practical and tangible changes in line with your goals to determine alternate and more positive outcomes. 

CBT is a collaborative therapy and requires every individual to apply the skills learnt in between sessions. The more you practice outside sessions, the more benefits you will gain from CBT! 

Once you have completed your total sessions we will develop a ‘therapy blueprint’ to consolidate everything you have learnt and gained from therapy with a plan of how to continue towards your goals and implementing CBT in your daily life after treatment ends. 

CBT has a strong evidence base in treating a wide range of mental health problems. The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) who provide independent, evidence-based guidance for the NHS, recommend CBT in treating depression and anxiety disorders. CBT can be used in conjunction with medication as prescribed by your GP, or on its on. 

Using CBT, I treat the following disorders:

  • Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
  • Health Anxiety
  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
  • Panic Disorder
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  • Social Anxiety
  • Specific Phobias
  • Self-esteem problems
  • Depression
  • Sleep
  • Chronic Pain & Long-Term Conditions
  • Habit Disorders (skin-picking, hair-pulling)
  • Self-Harm

What is CBT?

If you would like to enquire about Cognitive Behavioural Therapy further to see if it is right for you, contact me to discuss the next steps.

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