Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
W​hat is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy?
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy or CBT, is an evidence based talking therapy, which centres on the idea that thoughts, feelings, actions and how our bodies feel are all connected. If we change one of these; we can alter all the others. CBT has a strong reputation as a solution focused therapy that delivers tangible change and improvement. It is a structured, goal directed therapy, which NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) guidelines recommend for depression and many anxiety disorders.
When we’re low or upset, we often fall into patterns of thinking and responding which can worsen how we feel. CBT works to help us notice and change problematic thinking styles or behaviour patterns so we can feel better. CBT may focus on what is going on in the present rather than the past. However, the therapy may also look at your past and how your past experiences impact on how you view the world now.
What can you expect?
The first 1-2 sessions are assessment sessions. These will give you the opportunity to discuss your current difficulties as well as setting some goals for treatment. We will also explore current thoughts and behaviours maintaining your distress and may also include looking at how these developed and deeper thinking patterns. Time will be spent exploring other aspects of your life, including your history.
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Over the course of therapy, we work together to make changes to problematic thinking, behavioural and emotional patterns. The emphasis is on you learning skills you can use in your everyday life, both during therapy and beyond. CBT is typically delivered over 6-12 sessions but can be expanded to 20 sessions if appropriate.
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In each session there is a plan set at the start, to ensure that we are focusing on what is most beneficial. Towards the end of each session, we will plan what tasks you could work on before the next session, to explore and apply the skills learnt.