Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based psychological treatment that focuses on the connection between your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. It is widely recognised as an effective therapy for a range of mental health and emotional challenges, including anxiety, depression, stress, and low self-esteem.
CBT is based on the idea that the way we interpret and respond to situations can have a significant impact on how we feel emotionally and how we behave. When people become caught in negative or unhelpful thought patterns, this can contribute to distressing emotions and behaviours that keep difficulties going.
If we think of thoughts, feelings, and actions as interconnected and constantly influencing each other, then how we think often affects how we feel, and how we feel can influence what we do next.
How CBT can help
CBT is a collaborative, practical, and goal-oriented approach. In therapy, we work together to identify and explore the thoughts and beliefs that may be contributing to distress.
While past experiences can still be relevant, CBT generally focuses on what is happening in the present and on developing practical ways to break unhelpful cycles and patterns.
This may involve:
recognising unhelpful thinking styles, such as catastrophising or all-or-nothing thinking
examining the evidence for and against automatic thoughts
developing a more balanced and realistic perspective
understanding how behaviours can maintain anxiety, stress, or low mood
learning practical coping strategies to manage difficult situations and emotions
CBT can also include behavioural activation, which involves gradually re-engaging in activities that create a sense of achievement, enjoyment, or connection, particularly when stress, anxiety, or low mood have led to withdrawal or avoidance.
Developing practical tools and awareness
One of the strengths of CBT is that it provides practical tools that can continue to be useful outside of therapy. Many people find that once they begin to better understand the relationship between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviours, they are able to respond differently to situations that previously felt overwhelming or automatic.
Whether you are navigating anxiety, stress, self-esteem difficulties, or a challenging life transition, CBT can help build greater awareness, emotional resilience, and more effective ways of coping.