What is CBT?
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is about noticing and changing unhelpful patterns of thinking and behaviour that can leave us feeling stuck and affect our wellbeing.
These patterns often shape how we see ourselves, how we respond to situations, and how we feel day to day.
By becoming more aware of these patterns, we can begin to challenge them and make changes. CBT helps you regain a sense of control over your emotions and develop more balanced, positive ways of responding.
In sessions, we work together to explore what’s happening and you’ll learn practical tools to recognise and break these patterns. The aim is to help you feel more confident in managing difficulties and to support lasting change.
If you’d like a simple introduction, here’s a short animation that explains CBT.
What to Expect in a CBT Session
Starting therapy can feel like a big step, so the first one or two sessions are assessment sessions, simply about getting to know you and understanding what you’re experiencing, when it began, and what might be contributing to it. Together, we decide on your goals and shape a clear focus for our work.
CBT sessions are structured and collaborative. We work as a team, looking at what’s keeping the problem going and finding practical ways to create change. CBT is a short-term therapy, usually between 8–20 sessions, but you’re free to end at any point. There’s no pressure and no fixed commitment.
Making the Most of CBT Therapy
Many people find it helpful to keep a notebook with them. You can jot down anything that stands out in session, along with any between-session tasks. These tasks are an important part of CBT and often help people feel better sooner.
I’ll give you handouts to support what we’re working on and keeping them together in a folder makes it easy to revisit things as you go along.
Choosing a CBT Therapist
If you’re looking for a CBT therapist, the BABCP (British Association for Behavioural & Cognitive Psychotherapies) website - www.babcp.com-is a good place to start. Their ‘Find a CBT Therapist’ search lists accredited therapists in your area.
Accredited CBT therapists receive monthly supervision and keep up to date with regular professional development (training), which helps ensure safe and effective practice.
How much does CBT cost?
A one-hour CBT session is £80, with payment due within 24 hours of each session.
Other Therapies I Use
Although CBT is at the heart of my work, I take an integrative approach, so therapy feels personal to you. I may draw on Mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), or elements of counselling when it feels helpful to do so.
This flexible way of working means we can tailor sessions to your needs and therapy is individualised.