What is CBT?
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, often referred to as CBT, is a form of talking therapy designed to help you manage your problems by changing the way you think and behave. It’s based on the idea that our thoughts, feelings, physical sensations, and actions are interconnected, and that negative thoughts and feelings can trap us in a vicious cycle.
How Does CBT Work?
When using CBT we work together to break down your problems into smaller, manageable parts. These can be:
- Situations: The circumstances or events that trigger negative thoughts and feelings.
- Thoughts: The beliefs or attitudes you have about these situations.
- Emotions: The feelings that result from your thoughts.
- Physical Sensations: The bodily reactions you experience (like a racing heart or sweaty palms).
- Actions: How you behave or respond to these thoughts and feelings.
What to Expect in a CBT Session
In our sessions, we’ll identify specific problems you’re facing and work on developing practical strategies to tackle them. You might be asked to keep a diary of your thoughts and feelings, which can help us identify patterns and triggers. We’ll also practice new skills and behaviours, both in and out of our sessions, to help you respond to challenging situations in healthier ways.
CBT is a collaborative process. It’s not about me telling you what to do, but about us working together to find solutions that make sense for you. It’s a structured approach, often short-term, and focused on your current problems and how to solve them.