What is CBT therapy and how can it help me?
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, often shortened to CBT, is a form of talking therapy that looks at the connection between our thoughts, feelings and behaviours.
We can all find ourselves stuck in patterns that are difficult to change. We might know that worrying isn't helping, recognise that we're avoiding certain situations, or realise we're being overly critical of ourselves - but knowing this doesn't always make it easy to do something differently.
This is where CBT can help.
How does CBT work?
CBT is based on the idea that the way we think about a situation can influence how we feel and how we respond.
For example, two people can experience exactly the same situation but interpret it very differently. Those different thoughts can lead to different emotions and behaviours.
Sometimes our thoughts happen so quickly that we don't even realise how much they're affecting us.
CBT can help us slow things down, recognise these patterns and look at whether our thoughts and behaviours are helping us, or if they are keeping us stuck.
The aim isn't to just “think positively”.
It's about developing a more balanced understanding of what is happening and learning practical ways to respond differently.
What can CBT help with?
CBT can be helpful for a range of difficulties, including:
Anxiety and excessive worry
Stress and feeling overwhelmed
Panic attacks and panic disorder
Social anxiety
Phobias and fears
Low mood and depression
Low self-esteem and confidence
Overthinking and negative thinking
Avoidance and feeling stuck
Managing difficult thoughts and emotions
We don't necessarily need to have a diagnosis before considering therapy. Sometimes we simply just recognise that something isn't working for us and we'd like some help understanding it.
What happens during CBT therapy?
CBT is generally a very practical form of therapy.
Therapist and client will work together to understand what's happening, identify patterns and explore changes that may help.
This might involve looking at particular situations, the thoughts that arise, how they make us feel and what we tend to do in response.
Over time, we can begin to recognise patterns more easily and develop strategies that can be used outside the therapy session too.
CBT isn't about me as a therapist telling you what to think or what to do. It's about working together to understand the difficulties and finding approaches that are realistic and practical.
Can CBT therapy be done online / or is in-person better?
Yes. Online CBT therapy sessions are extremely popular, allowing people to access support from their own home.
For some people, online therapy can make fitting sessions around work, family or other commitments easier. It also means that your location doesn't have to be a barrier to accessing therapy.
I provide online CBT therapy for adults across the UK, alongside in-person sessions in Lanarkshire and the surrounding areas.
Is CBT right for me?
There's no single type of therapy that's right for everyone.
A useful starting point is simply having a conversation about what you're experiencing, what you'd like to change and what you're hoping to get from therapy.
You don't need to have everything figured out before getting in touch.
About Me
I'm Alan, a qualified counsellor and CBT therapist and a member of the governing body COSCA.
I work with adults experiencing difficulties including anxiety, panic, stress, low mood, low self-esteem, phobias, overthinking and avoidance.
My approach to CBT is practical and focused on helping people better understand what's happening for them and develop ways of moving forward.
I offer online CBT therapy across the UK, and in-person appointments available in Lanarkshire and the surrounding areas
Sessions last approximately 50–55 minutes and cost £50.
If you're considering CBT but aren't sure whether it's right for you, I offer a free 15-minute introductory call where we can briefly discuss what you're looking for and how I can help you move forward in your journey. - Get in touch