What is Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy?

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Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy (often called CBT) is a type of “talking therapy” that helps you understand and change unhelpful patterns in the way you see things and how you respond.

 

Here’s the idea in practice:

• Thoughts, feelings, and actions are connected. For example, if you think “I’m going to fail at this”, you might feel anxious, and then avoid trying altogether. That avoidance can make the problem worse and reinforce the negative thought, as you never get to find out if what you think is actually true.

• CBT helps break that cycle. Through the sessions you learn to spot unhelpful thoughts, challenge them, and come up with more balanced ones. At the same time, you practice changing behaviours (like gradually facing situations you avoid).

• It’s practical and structured. Instead of just talking about the past, we usually focus on current problems and learn tools you can use in everyday life.

• It works a bit like a “mental workout.” You practice between sessions, like doing exercises for your mind and behaviour.

• Being your best mental health self using CBT is not about being perfect. It is more about tapping into your strengths and positive qualities. This will enable you to live a more fulfilling life, doing the things that make you happy, whilst developing the skills to cope with challenges. 

 

People often use CBT for low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, stress, phobias, OCD and many other difficulties. If have any questions and would like to discuss how I can help you, please get in touch.

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