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07 / 07Established evidence-based psychotherapy

Practical, collaborative talking therapy

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

CBT explores how thoughts, emotions, body sensations and actions influence one another. I use it collaboratively: we make one pattern visible, test what keeps it going and practise realistic alternatives between sessions.

Ask about this approach

What it is—and what it is not.

CBT does not ask you to ‘think positive’ or pretend a difficult situation is fine. It helps you examine whether an automatic interpretation or coping response is useful, accurate and flexible—and then try another response in real life.

How we may work with it.

This is a flexible map, not a script. I adapt the process to your comfort, goals and response in the room.

  1. 01

    Agree a clear focus

    We identify a current situation and what you hope will be different, translating a broad concern into a workable goal.

  2. 02

    Map the cycle

    Together we notice the thoughts, feelings, physical sensations and behaviours that interact in that situation.

  3. 03

    Try another response

    We examine assumptions and plan a small behavioural or cognitive experiment rather than relying on reassurance alone.

  4. 04

    Review and practise

    We look at what happened, refine the strategy and build skills you can continue using independently.

Places this conversation can go.

CBT may fit if you like a transparent structure, practical tools and an active role in practising new responses between conversations.

  • 01Anxiety, worry and avoidance
  • 02Low mood and reduced activity
  • 03Harsh self-talk and unhelpful assumptions
  • 04Problem-solving and decision-making
  • 05Recurring behavioural patterns

What the research says

Useful context, without overselling.

CBT is one of the most extensively studied psychological therapies and is recommended in major clinical guidelines for conditions including depression and several anxiety disorders. The exact form, duration and practitioner training should match the concern being treated.

My care boundary

Your wellbeing comes before the method.

CBT is not one-size-fits-all. I adapt the pace and tools to your circumstances, culture and preferences, and I discuss referral when a concern needs specialist diagnosis, trauma treatment, psychiatric support or crisis care.

Before you decide.

Will you tell me that my thoughts are wrong?

No. We examine thoughts with curiosity—looking at context, evidence and impact—while respecting that many fears and difficulties arise from real experiences.

Is there homework?

CBT often includes a small between-session practice, such as noticing a pattern or trying a new behaviour. We make it realistic and agree it together.

How many sessions does CBT take?

It depends on the concern, goals and level of support needed. Structured CBT is often time-limited, but we review progress rather than promise a fixed number in advance.

Go beyond the summary.

I believe you deserve enough context to make an informed choice. These links include original method descriptions and independent research where it is available.

  1. 01Cognitive behavioural therapy: what it is and what happensNHS
  2. 02Psychological interventions for anxiety disordersNICE
  3. 03Depression in adults: recommendationsNICE
  4. 04CBT and applied relaxation for generalised anxietyNICE

Still wondering whether this is right for you?

You do not have to choose a method before we speak.

Start a private enquiry