Cognitive Behaviour Therapy

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) is a highly effective and economic therapy. As a result of extensive world-wide research into the effectiveness of leading therapies, it is now recommended ahead of all other therapies by independent accreditation bodies such as the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) and by Doctors. CBT is scientifically proven to help people overcome a wide range of personal challenges and reduce the symptoms of many emotional disorders. CBT currently has the largest amount of research carried out on its effectiveness.

How does Cognitive Behaviour Therapy Work?

The basic principle of CBT is - how we think can affect how we feel and how we behave.

CBT is a very practical approach to solving problems. CBT is a time-limited and structured intervention, with sessions ranging between 6 to 24 sessions. The number of sessions you need will depend on the issues you would like to overcome. CBT may focus on what is going on in the present rather than the past. However, in therapy we may also look at your past and how your past experiences impact on how you interpret the world now. 

CBT therapy is 'collaborative', which means that you are actively involved in the therapy. Your views and reactions are important in order to shape the way therapy progresses. We work together to find the best solution for you so that you learn a set of new principles to replace old patterns of thinking and behaviour that you can apply whenever you need to. Effectively you learn to become your own therapist.

What happens in a CBT session?

• We will work together to create a list of problems you want to address
• You will give examples of situations you have found problematic
• You will develop realistic goals you would like to achieve, these are flexible and constantly under review
• You will learn to look at your thoughts and beliefs about yourself, the world and other people and to understand the link to your behaviours, emotions and physical sensations. By making links between what you do, think and feel, CBT can help you make changes in the way you think (Cognitive). Making changes in how you think will affect how you feel and how you behave (Behaviour). Similarly, changing what you do, affects the way you think and feel. Making these changes can then help you feel better
• At the end of each session, you will be given "homework" to put into practice what has been discussed. This may be writing a diary or trying out a coping exercise for a specific situation. This is an important part of the process and the results will be discussed at your follow-up appointments.

Take your first step call Catherine on 0753 547 7191 or email me at info@catherineayensu-cbt.co.uk

15 mins free consultation

Feedback from a Client

I just wanted to drop you a quick line to say how amazed I still am at how much I have changed since your sessions. I notice all the time how I handle situations differently, how much more confident I am and how much more I am peace with myself. I often refer to the ways of thinking you taught me and they are now becoming like second nature.