What is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)?


Female client and a female therapist in a therapy session

CBT is a talking-based psychological therapy often recommended to aid low mood, anxiety, depression, and other mental and physical health conditions.

CBT triad

CBT is based on a concept that feelings, thoughts, and behaviours all contribute to our quality of life and are interconnected. Thus, it is designed to help tackle negative thought patterns, unhelpful and self-sabotaging behaviours, and difficult feelings. In addition, CBT is a research-based therapy method which aims to empower the client to take back control of their wellbeing (Hofmann & Reinecke, 2010).

A woman in counselling

While in CBT counselling you can learn many strategies to aid your wellbeing. You test your beliefs and assumptions about yourself and the world, try to better your behaviours by replacing bad habbits and unhelpful coping strategies and face your fears in a safe and controlled environment. A great example of how CBT aids to change negative thinking patterns is by becoming aware of them. Many CBT therapists will share the Unhelpful Thinking Patterns list showed bellow. This list is a great tool to use when trying to recognise your own negative thinking and challenge it. Download your own Unhelpful Thinking Styles list here 🌱

Unhelpful thinking styles list

However, as in most psychological therapy, client is in control at all times . All therapeutic processes may go as fast or slow as you wish and you can delve into certain aspects of your life when you feel ready.


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