Question 1

What is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)?

Accepted Answer

CBT is a structured, evidence-based talking therapy that focuses on how your thoughts, beliefs, and attitudes affect your feelings and behaviour. It teaches you practical skills to change unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviours that contribute to your difficulties. Unlike some other therapies, CBT focuses on your current problems rather than exploring your past in depth, and gives you tools you can continue using after therapy ends.

Question 2

How many CBT sessions will I need?

Accepted Answer

CBT is typically a time-limited therapy. For many issues, 6-12 sessions are effective, though this varies depending on your individual situation and goals. Some people benefit from fewer sessions for specific issues, while more complex or long-standing problems may require longer treatment.

Question 3

Is everything I say in therapy confidential?

Accepted Answer

Yes, everything discussed in your therapy sessions is strictly confidential. Your therapist will not share information without your consent except in rare circumstances where there's a risk of serious harm to yourself or others. These limits to confidentiality will be explained clearly at the start of therapy.

Question 4

What issues can CBT help with?

Accepted Answer

CBT is effective for a wide range of mental health issues including anxiety disorders, depression, panic attacks, phobias, OCD, PTSD, stress, sleep problems, eating disorders, anger management, and chronic pain. It's also helpful for building self-esteem, managing health anxiety, and coping with life changes or difficult situations.

Question 5

How is CBT different from other types of therapy?

Accepted Answer

CBT is more structured and focused on the present than many other therapies. Rather than extensively exploring your past or childhood, CBT concentrates on understanding your current patterns of thinking and behaviour and developing practical strategies to change them. Sessions follow a clear agenda, and you'll be given tasks to practise between sessions.

Question 6

Will I have homework between sessions?

Accepted Answer

Yes, an important part of CBT involves practising new skills and techniques between sessions. This might include keeping a thought diary, trying out new behaviours, or completing exercises your therapist sets. This 'homework' is essential to the success of CBT—it's how you apply what you learn in sessions to real-life situations and build lasting skills.

Question 7

Do I need a GP referral for CBT?

Accepted Answer

No, you don't need a GP referral to book CBT sessions with us. You can contact us directly to arrange an initial assessment. However, if you're experiencing severe mental health difficulties, it can be helpful to keep your GP informed about your care.

CBT

About This Treatment

Benefits of CBT

What to Expect

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Goal Setting

Therapy Sessions

Skills Practice

Conditions We Treat

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