What is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)?
CBT is an evidence-based psychotherapy approach that identifies and challenges negative thought patterns and behaviours, replacing them with healthier alternatives.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a structured psychotherapy approach that works with the link between thoughts, feelings and behaviour. It targets the thought patterns keeping a difficulty in place. It is usually short-term and goal-focused, with things tried between sessions.
Book a sessionCBT is often used with:
- Anxiety disorders and panic attacks
- Depression and low mood
- OCD and intrusive thoughts
- Social anxiety and phobias
- Insomnia and sleep problems
- Perfectionism and self-criticism
How does CBT work?
CBT is based on the idea that our thoughts, emotions, physical sensations and behaviours are all interconnected. Negative thought patterns can create a vicious cycle that perpetuates distress. By noticing and questioning these patterns, we work on the cycle together. CBT is usually structured and time-limited, often around 8 to 16 sessions. The length depends on the person and the subject.
Thoughts
Identify automatic negative thoughts and cognitive distortions that fuel distress.
Emotions
Understand how thoughts trigger emotional reactions and learn to regulate them.
Behaviours
Gradually change avoidance patterns and develop healthier coping strategies.
What is CBT used for?
CBT is one of the most researched psychotherapy approaches. It comes to the fore where there is a defined issue to work on and where thought patterns are keeping the picture in place. These are the areas we most often use CBT for at the centre.
- Anxiety disorders and panic attacks
- Obsessive thoughts and repeated checking behaviour
- Low mood and loss of motivation
- Exam anxiety and performance anxiety
- Sleep difficulties and procrastination
How many sessions does CBT take?
CBT is usually short-term work. When focused on a defined issue, most processes are completed within 8–20 sessions. Sessions last 45 minutes and are usually weekly.
No fixed number is given at the outset. Once it is clear what we are working on, we agree an approximate frame together.
Is there homework between sessions?
Because CBT is structured, some things are tried between sessions. Usually that means noticing a thought and writing it down, or approaching an avoided situation in small steps.
These are experiments, not exams. When they are not done, that too becomes something to talk about — what got in the way often says something useful about the work itself.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What problems does CBT treat?
CBT is a first-line treatment for anxiety disorders, depression, panic attacks, OCD, eating disorders, social phobia and PTSD, supported by hundreds of clinical trials.
How long does CBT last?
CBT is a short-term therapy; most conditions are treated within 8–20 sessions focused on concrete, measurable goals.
How many sessions does CBT take?
CBT is usually short-term. When focused on a defined issue, most processes are completed within 8-20 sessions. Sessions last 45 minutes and are usually weekly.
Is there homework between CBT sessions?
Small experiments are tried between sessions, such as noticing a thought and writing it down, or approaching an avoided situation in steps. These are not exams; when they are not done, that becomes something useful to talk about.