Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

A clinically proven therapy 

CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy)  is the main type of counselling that I offer and it is a talking therapy which has been clinically proven to be effective in the treatment of a range of conditions such as anxiety, depression, phobia, panic and eating disorders to name a few.  Whatever the presenting issues, clients come for counselling and therapy because they no longer want to feel the way they have been feeling.  It is natural that we all want to understand what is happening and why; and more importantly find a way to make changes. 

I aim to provide a safe and supportive environment for positive change to evolve.  CBT works on the basis that thoughts, feelings, physical sensations and behaviours are interconnected and can trap you in a negative cycle.  I will help you to change these negative patterns to improve the way that you think and feel to improve your ability to function in the ‘here and now’.

As a counsellor, I have used CBT to help many individuals overcome negative thought patterns and behaviours. CBT is a type of psychotherapy that is based on the idea that negative thoughts and beliefs can contribute to the development and maintenance of mental health conditions.

During CBT, I work with my clients to identify their negative thought patterns and behaviours. Together, we explore how these patterns might be contributing to their mental health concerns, such as anxiety or depression. We then develop strategies to challenge and replace these negative patterns with more positive and adaptive ones.

One of the key techniques we use in CBT is cognitive restructuring, which involves identifying and challenging negative thoughts. For example, if a client believes that they are worthless, we would explore where this belief came from and challenge the evidence that supports it. We would then work to develop more positive and realistic ways of thinking.

Another technique we use in CBT is behavioural activation, which involves encouraging clients to engage in activities that give them a sense of pleasure and accomplishment. For example, if a client is feeling depressed and unmotivated, I might encourage them to take up a new hobby or start a small project. This can help them to build momentum and start to feel better about themselves.

CBT is typically delivered in a short-term format, with sessions lasting anywhere from 6 to 20 weeks, depending on the individual’s needs. During this time, we work together to help clients develop the skills they need to manage their mental health concerns and improve their overall well-being.

Overall, CBT is an a highly effective and evidence-based approach to treating mental health conditions. By helping individuals change their negative thought patterns and behaviours, it can help them to improve their mood, increase their sense of well-being, and develop more positive coping strategies.