Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a time-limited, goal-oriented approach that mainly focuses on addressing difficulties happening in the here and now.
In England, CBT is the treatment of choice for many conditions, including anxiety and mood disorders, OCD and PTSD. It is also highly effective for helping with other common difficulties, including low self-esteem, worry, poor sleep, appearance and weight concerns, anger and aggression, paranoia and coping with the impact of physical health or life-changing conditions.
The main principle underpinning CBT is that there are links between how and what we think, how we feel emotionally and physically, and what we do.
CBT can you help you to:
- better understand how particular thoughts and ways of thinking, reactions and responses, impact on and are impacted by emotions and physical feelings
- develop different ways of thinking about and responding to difficult situations
- feel more confident to manage if and when these arise
- become more resilient
- problem-solve more effectively
What happens in sessions?
In sessions, we would develop a shared understanding of your current difficulties (a formulation) and identify specific goals you would like to work towards. Many people experience significant improvement within 8 – 14 sessions, but depending on the reason for having sessions, some people need more than this.
We would review the benefits of sessions regularly, to make sure that these are focused on the difficulties and goals that are most important to you.