What is CBT?
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a talking therapy that supports you to manage your problems by changing the way you think and behave.
How does CBT work?
CBT is based on the idea that our thoughts and behaviours influence our feelings and bodily sensations. Understanding that these are all interconnected can allow us to see that negative thoughts and feelings are often part of a vicious circle. Working with these smaller parts, CBT aims to support you to deal with problems in a more manageable and proactive way. A therapist will work with you to identify and change negative patterns, using practical ways to improve your emotional and mental wellbeing.
Can CBT help me?
CBT has been shown to be an effective way of treating a number of different mental health conditions. CBT can help you with:
anxiety
bipolar disorder
depression
eating disorders
obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
panic disorder
phobias
post-traumatice stress disorder (PTSD)
sleep problems
What happens during CBT sessions?
CBT sessions are typically once a week or once every two weeks. However, review or check in sessions can also be arranged. Sessions last 50 minutes and can make lasting changes from between 5 to 20 sessions.
You will work alongside your therapist to break down your problems into individual parts and analyse these areas to decide if they are helpful, supportive or realistic. Then your therapist will support you to change unhelpful thoughts and behaviour.
CBT continues out with sessions and requires clients to make changes in their daily lives and review goals throughout treatment.
The aim of a CBT therapist is to provide you with the tools and strategies to manage your day-to-day life and when more challenging situations arise.