Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a structured, goal-oriented form of psychotherapy that focuses on the relationship between thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. This type of therapy is used to treat a range of mental health concerns, including anxiety disorders, depression, phobias, and stress-related issues.

What is CBT?

Cognitive behavioural therapy is a form of psychotherapy that addresses the way we think and act when faced with problems. It is a practical, evidence-based approach that identifies unhelpful patterns and offers new ways to respond to specific challenges in an individual’s life. Because CBT is focused on the present, it enables the development of practical coping strategies and the building of healthier thinking patterns through collaborative therapeutic work.

CBT can be used for the treatment of

• Anger
• Anxiety and panic disorders
• Depression
• Eating disorders
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Persistent pain
• Phobias
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Psychotic difficulties such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder
• Relationship issues
• Sexual issues
• Sleep difficulties
• Stress

CBT concentrates on ‘here and now’ life challenges. The therapist helps you to further understand yourself by talking and recording relevant experiences in a diary.

Core Components of CBT

Every approach is based on certain characteristics that allow therapists to determine which of them could be most valuable for each client. The core components of cognitive behavioural therapy are:

• Cognitive interventions: Identify and understand negative or distorted thinking patterns, while challenging unhelpful thoughts to develop more balanced, realistic ways of thinking.
• Behavioural interventions: Test and change behaviours through behavioural experiments, exposure to feared situations, skill building, and habit changes. 
• Emotional awareness: Recognise emotions and learn how they connect to thoughts and behaviours.
• Skill practice: Develop practical skills which can be applied outside therapy sessions to support long-term change.

Structure of Therapy

CBT is usually delivered in a structured format, with previously agreed objectives and regular progress reviews. Sessions follow a clear framework and may include exercises, reflection, and between-session practice to reinforce learning and support real-world application.

The duration of cognitive behavioural therapy varies depending on individual needs and presenting concerns, and may be offered as a short- to medium-term intervention. Depending on the client’s preferences and the clinician’s professional opinion, you can have one-on-one sessions or group meetings. 

Benefits of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

Once an individual undergoes cognitive behavioural therapy, they can expect to see certain benefits, such as awareness of unhelpful thoughts and behaviour patterns, improved emotional regulation and coping strategies, more confidence in managing challenges independently, access to practice tools for building long-term resilience, and well-being. 

That said, the process and duration are very unique to each person. Working closely with a therapist on achieving previously set goals for the therapy is crucial for treatment success.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) FAQ