COUNSELLING SERVICES

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

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.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

CBT in a nutshell

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.

The model holds that our thoughts, feelings, physical sensations and actions are interconnected — negative thoughts can trap us in a vicious cycle, but by changing how we think, we can change how we feel and behave.


CBT is structured, goal-orientated, and the skills you gain are designed to last long after therapy ends.


The same event, different responses

Imagine two people walking down the street who both see an acquaintance cross the road without acknowledging them. One person thinks "They must be ignoring me — I must have done something wrong" and feels anxious and rejected. The other thinks "They were probably distracted" and barely gives it a second thought.

Neither person has any evidence for their interpretation — yet the thoughts they chose shaped how they felt and what they did next. This is the CBT model in action.

By learning to notice and challenge these automatic thoughts, you can begin to respond to everyday situations in ways that serve you better.

Responses to events

Conditions that CBT can help

CBT has a strong evidence base and is recommended by the NHS for a wide range of mental health conditions, including:

Brain icon

Depression & low mood

Anxiety iconAnxiety & panic attacks
OCD iconObsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Phobias iconPhobias & fears
Stress iconStress & burnout
Sleep iconInsomnia & sleep difficulties
Self-esteem iconLow self-esteem & confidence
Relationship icon

Relationship difficulties

Grief iconGrief & loss

How long is CBT needed?

CBT is typically a short-to-medium term therapy. The standard is typically around 10 sessions, though this can vary depending on the nature and severity of your difficulties.

Some clients find significant benefit in as few as 6 sessions; others with more complex presentations may benefit from a longer course. Duration is always agreed collaboratively between you and your therapist.

All sessions are 50 minutes and conducted online.

Session structure

CBT sessions have a clear collaborative structure designed to maximise your time and ensure you leave each session with something concrete:

Collaborative agenda-setting

Each session begins by agreeing what to focus on.

Assessment & reflectionWe explore your current thoughts, feelings and behaviours in relation to agreed focus areas.
Practical homework

Between sessions you may be given exercises to practise new skills or gather useful information.

Progress reviewsWe regularly review progress so the therapy remains effective and adjusted to your needs.

What if CBT isn't working for me?

CBT is one of the most widely researched and effective forms of therapy, but it is not the right approach for everyone. Therapy is a deeply personal process.

If we find that CBT is not producing the results you're looking for, we can explore other modalities — including Person-Centred Therapy (PCT) — or discuss a referral if that would better serve your needs.

You will never be left without options. Your wellbeing always comes first.

Your journey

Making a lasting difference

How will CBT help me?

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a practical approach that helps you understand the connection between your thoughts, feelings, and actions. By identifying patterns that may be keeping you stuck or feeling overwhelmed, we can work together to develop more helpful ways of responding to everyday challenges.

Instead of feeling trapped by your circumstances, you will learn manageable, down-to-earth techniques to improve your mood and regain a sense of control over your life in a way that lasts.

Ready to take the first step?

Book a free 50-minute consultation to see if we're a good fit. No referral needed.

Book a Free Consultation