Services
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
CBT is an integrative form of talk therapy underpinned by several principles, which aims to identify a person's viewpoints in order to challenge and change unhelpful thinking patterns.
CBT in a nutshell
It's fair to state that no two people have the exact thoughts and perceptions around the same event, hence they experience different emotions resulting in different behaviours.
A very simplified example of CBT components in action
Let´s imagine a very simple scenario where you are walking down the street, and a friend walks by and doesn´t adknowledge you. Several thoughts can go through the mind such as “ he doesn´t like me” or “why is he ignoring me” . These thoughts can be classified as negative, or in other words unrealistic or unhelpful, causing the person to feel emotions such as sadness or anger, causing physical sensations such as feeing down, resulting in unhealthy behaviours such as avoiding the person.
In this example a negative cognition resulted in an unhealthy behaviour. Another person might encounter the same scenario and think “he must have been busy” or even laugh about it later with others. They may be concerned for the friend wondering if he was ok, which is a positive emotion and even approach them to ask how they are or contact them later.
This is just a very basic example of the principles of CBT, and how it aspires to challenge and help habour more helpful ways of rationalising a situation. CBT encourages you to notice your thoughts more realistically , and consequently notice emotions and behaviours in order to promote healthy change as well as develop resilience and control when faced with future difficulties.
Conditions that CBT helps with
CBT can assist with several conditions such as depression, anxiety/panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), phobias as well as difficulties like stress, insomnia, low self-esteem, relationship difficulties and grief.
How long is CBT needed
It can vary depending on the person and situation, but the standard is 10 sessions for CBT. We will proceed at the pace you require. My sessions are integrated with other techniques.
Session struture
At the beginning of CBT there will be a thorough assessment and we would work together collaboratively, but at your own pace. It's important for you to express what you need to, and I will ask you questions in the process, so that I can understand everything better. We will incorporate homework activities, which will be simple tasks that you can add into your daily schedule. And at each session, we will review the activities. My sessions will be integrated with aspects of other approaches.
What if CBT isn´t working for me?
If you don´t feel that CBT is working for you, or if you find the activities difficult please let me know. CBT might not work for everyone, and I can use other approaches or direct you to another therapist if your situation is outside my area of expertise. CBT does take time and may take longer for some than others. Some conditions may need initial or continued medical treatment, and you can try it again at some point in the future.
