Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy, or CBT, is a family of talking therapies based on the idea that thoughts, feelings, what we do, and how our bodies feel, are all connected. If we change one of these we can alter the others. 

When we’re low or upset, we often fall into patterns of thinking and responding which worsen how we feel. CBT works to help us notice and change problematic thinking styles or behaviour patterns so we can feel better.  

CBT is a collaborative therapy – it’s not something that is done to someone, it’s a way of working together with a CBT therapist on mutually agreed goals. 

CBT works for lots of different people and problems, and is widely recommended by national treatment guidelines across the UK, EU and North America. The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) provides independent, evidence-based guidance for the NHS on the most effective, proven treatments.

A course of CBT can be completed alone or at the same time as taking medication prescribed by a GP or other doctor. This will depend on the difficulty CBT is helping with and on personal choice. 

Does CBT Work?

Numerous research studies have shown that CBT leads to significant improvements in functioning and quality of life. In many studies, CBT has been demonstrated to be as effective as or more effective than other forms of psychological therapy or psychiatric medications. 

Advances in CBT have been made on the basis of research involving randomised controlled trials as well as clinical practice so there is ample evidence that the methods that have been developed actually produce change.  

How I Use CBT

While the evidence for CBT is strong, what works for each individual varies as no two people are affected by the same problem in precisely the same way. I'll tailor my approach to you, and ask for your feedback and review your progress regularly to ensure that you are getting what you need from our sessions.