CBT

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is one of the most well-researched and widely used forms of therapy. It is based on the idea that it is often not a situation itself that causes distress, but the meaning we give it.

Throughout the day, our minds are constantly making quick interpretations about what is happening around us and what it says about us. These automatic thoughts can shape how we feel and what we do next. If they are inaccurate or unhelpful, they can leave us feeling anxious, low, guilty, angry, or overwhelmed.

Our thoughts, feelings, and behaviours all influence one another. For example, if you think, “I’m going to fail,” you might feel anxious and avoid giving something a go. While avoiding may bring short-term relief, it often makes the fear stronger over time. This is how people can become caught in patterns that keep them feeling stuck.

A core part of CBT is learning to notice these automatic thoughts and understand how they affect your emotions and behaviour. Together, we’ll explore whether these thoughts are accurate, balanced, and helpful, and practise developing more realistic ways of looking at situations.

CBT also focuses on what you do. Alongside changing unhelpful thinking, you’ll learn practical skills to manage difficult emotions and respond to them in more helpful ways. Instead of avoiding fears, withdrawing from people, or getting caught in habits that keep problems going, you’ll gradually learn new ways of responding that build confidence and create lasting change.

CBT has been studied for decades and has one of the strongest research bases of any psychological treatment. It has been shown to be effective for a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, panic, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), insomnia, and many other difficulties.