Frequently Asked Questions

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy or as it is commonly known, CBT, is a family of talking therapies, all based on the idea that thoughts, feelings, what we do, and how our bodies feel, are all connected and therefore if we change one of these we can alter all the others.

When we’re low or upset, we often fall into automatic patterns of thinking and responding which can actually worsen how we feel. CBT helps you notice and change problematic thinking styles or behaviour patterns so you can feel better.

CBT is helpful for lots of different people and problems, and is widely recommended.

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) provides independent, evidence-based guidance for the NHS on the most effective, proven treatments. CBT is recommended in NICE guidelines for many different problems, including:

The number of CBT sessions needed depends on the difficulty you are experiencing and your goals, you will be informed of an estimate of how many sessions you might be needed after an initial assessment.

Initial assessments are around 60min, individual therapy sessions are around 50min. 

CBT is an individual therapy and you will usually be seen on your own, in some circumstances it might be helpful for someone who is supporting you to join part of a session.

CBT is mainly concerned with current patterns of thinking and behaviours rather than seeking a cause or exploring your childhood. Sometimes however current difficulties are related to things which have happened in the past, so these might be touched on to understand what is happening now.

CBT is a structured and goal orientated therapy, most sessions begin with agenda setting – agreeing together what that session will concentrate on with an overall focus of supporting you to work towards your goals for therapy. 

Yes, CBT involves working on things in between sessions as well as during them called “inter session tasks/homework”. Tasks will be introduced and planned together during sessions.