Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a structured, time-limited therapy that helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviours. It is based on the idea that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviours are interconnected, and that changing one can positively affect the others.

During CBT, you’ll work with me to:

• Identify Problematic Thoughts: Recognise and challenge unhelpful thoughts that contribute to emotional distress or problematic behaviours.
• Develop Helpful Coping Strategies: Learn practical skills and strategies to manage stress, anxiety, depression, and other issues.
• Practice Behavioural Changes: Gradually engage in activities that you may have been avoiding due to fear or negative thoughts.
• Track Progress: Monitor changes and improvements, adjusting strategies as needed using standard wellbeing questionnaires.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is effective for several reasons:

• Evidence-Based: CBT is backed by extensive research showing its efficacy for a wide range of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, OCD, and more. It is the recommended treatment by NICE guidelines for common mental health difficulties.
• Structured Approach: CBT provides a clear, structured approach to treatment, which helps both you as the client and I as the therapy to stay focused on specific goals and measurable progress.
• Skills Development: CBT equips clients with practical skills and techniques that they can use to manage their symptoms and challenges independently, long after therapy has ended.
• Focus on the Present: While CBT acknowledges past experiences, it emphasises the importance of addressing current thoughts and behaviours, which can be more immediately impactful in improving a person’s mental health.
• Short-Term and Goal-Oriented: CBT is typically a short-term therapy, with many treatments lasting between 12-20 sessions. It is goal-oriented, helping clients achieve specific outcomes within a relatively short time frame.
• Empowerment and Self-Efficacy: CBT empowers clients by teaching them to recognise and modify their own negative thought patterns and behaviours, fostering a sense of self-efficacy and control over their mental health.
• Adaptability: CBT can be adapted to suit individual needs and can be delivered in various formats, including individual therapy, group therapy, and self-help resources.
• Wide Applicability: CBT is versatile and can be applied to a broad spectrum of issues, from mood disorders and anxiety to substance abuse and relationship problems.

By focusing on the interplay between thoughts, feelings, and behaviours, my aim is to help individuals develop healthier thinking patterns and coping strategies, leading to long-lasting positive changes in their mental health and overall well-being.