Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is a talking therapy which research has shown to be highly effective in the treatment of a wide range of difficulties. It is recommended by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) as the first choice in the of treatment in Depression and Anxiety.
CBT is based on the idea that the way we feel is directly affected by the way we think and behave. If we think in a very anxious or negative way, it is likely that we will feel anxious, panicky or depressed. Similarly if we isolate ourselves, withdraw from others or avoid situations and activities, it is likely that we will become more anxious and/or depressed.
CBT helps you identify and change your own unhelpful patterns of thinking and behaving and provides you with the skills to develop helpful, balanced thinking patterns and healthy behaviours and coping strategies.
CBT is very much a collaborative approach and as such you and your counsellor work together in a structured solution focused way to achieve agreed goals.
Who can benefit from CBT?
Anyone can benefit from CBT. We work with adolescents aged 16+ and adults aged 18+. CBT is so effective as it can be applied to everyday situations as well as to a range of disorders. In order to receive the greatest benefit each client should simply be motivated, willing to change and have a desire to get better.
How can CBT help?
CBT can help you:
- Change your own unhelpful patterns of thinking and behaving
- Develop healthy and balanced thought and behaviour patterns
- Develop new coping skills to deal with new challenges
- Improve your emotional well being
- Improve your self confidence and self esteem
- Improve your problem solving ability
- Gain greater control over your moods and behaviour
As a client you can expect to receive a professional, confidential and non-judgemental service which will include:
- Assessment Session: Your first session will be an assessment session and will last for 80 minutes. This session provides an opportunity for you to get to know your counsellor and learn about CBT and how it may help you. It is also an opportunity for your counsellor to gain an understanding of your difficulties. You will be asked to complete some user friendly questionnaires and discuss your symptoms and difficulties in order that an accurate assessment can be formulated.
- Session format: Subsequent sessions will last for 60 minutes. You and your counsellor will work together towards agreed goals.
- Self-help homework Research demonstrates that people who carry out ‘homework’ assignments get better faster and stay better longer. Homework exercises will always be straightforward, agreed jointly and most of all rewarding.
How many sessions will You Need? The number of sessions you may need will depend on your individual needs. This can be discussed at your assessment session as well as throughout the course of counselling.
