Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

A structured, evidence-based approach to changing unhelpful thought patterns and behaviours.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is one of the most extensively researched therapeutic approaches in the world. Developed by Aaron Beck in the 1960s, CBT is based on the principle that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected, and that by identifying and changing unhelpful thought patterns, we can improve our emotional wellbeing.

How It Works

CBT is a collaborative, goal-oriented therapy. Sessions focus on identifying automatic thoughts and core beliefs that contribute to distress, examining the evidence for and against these thoughts, and developing more balanced and realistic perspectives. Behavioural experiments and homework exercises are often integrated between sessions to consolidate new patterns in real life.

Phases of Treatment

Assessment and goal setting
Psychoeducation about the CBT model
Identifying automatic thoughts and cognitive distortions
Cognitive restructuring
Behavioural activation and experiments
Relapse prevention and consolidation

Who This Helps

Anxiety and worry. Ongoing apprehension and 'what if' thinking that is hard to switch off.
Depression and low mood. Persistent sadness, low energy, and loss of interest in daily life.
Burnout and work stress. Emotional and physical exhaustion from sustained pressure at work.
Panic attacks. Sudden episodes of intense fear with strong physical symptoms.
Perfectionism. Unrelenting high standards and self-criticism that fuel stress.
Low self-esteem. A harsh inner critic and a fragile sense of your own worth.
Relationship difficulties. Recurring conflict or communication patterns that strain your connections.

What to Expect

CBT is typically a structured, time-limited therapy. You will have clear goals from early in the work, and sessions are interactive and skills-focused. Between sessions you may complete structured reflection exercises that reinforce insights from the session.