What is CBT?
CBT stands for cognitive behavioural therapy, it helps you manage your problems by changing the way you think and behave.
CBT is based on the concept that your thoughts, feelings, physical sensations and actions are interconnected, and that negative thoughts and feelings can trap you in a negative cycle.
CBT aims to help you deal with overwhelming problems in a more positive way by breaking them down into smaller parts.
You're shown how to change these negative patterns to improve the way you feel.
Unlike some other talking treatments, CBT deals with your current problems, rather than focusing on issues from your past.
It looks for practical ways to improve your state of mind on a daily basis.
If you recognise any of the below problems in your life I can help.
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Depression
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Anxiety
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Bipolar disorder
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Borderline personality disorder
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Eating disorders – such as anorexia and bulimia
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Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
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Panic disorder
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Menopause symptoms
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Phobias
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Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
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Psychosis
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Self-harm
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Schizophrenia
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Sleep problems – such as insomnia
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Problems related to alcohol misuse
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Tinnitus
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Anger problems
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Hoarding
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Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
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Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)
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Fibromyalgia
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Chronic pain
" If you want to give light to others you have to glow yourself "
What happens in an CBT session
If CBT is recommended, you'll usually have a session with me once a week or once every 2 weeks.
The course of treatment usually lasts for between 6 and 20 sessions, with each session lasting 30 to 60 minutes.
During the sessions, you'll work with me to break down your problems into their separate parts, such as your thoughts, physical feelings and actions.
We analyse these areas to work out if they're unrealistic or unhelpful, and to determine the effect they have on each other and on you.
I will then be able to help you work out how to change unhelpful thoughts and behaviours.
After working out what you can change, I will ask you to practice these changes in your daily life and you'll discuss how you got on during the next session.
The eventual aim of therapy is to teach you to apply the skills you have learnt during treatment to your daily life.
This should help manage your problems and stop having a negative impact on your life, even after your course of treatment finishes.
