Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)

CBT is an evidence based talking therapy. It is for the treatment of common mental health problems such as anxiety and depression. CBT aims to change how you think ('Cognitive') and what you do ('Behaviour') in response to situations.

Please note the video on this page was made when the service was called Steps2Change

What happens in CBT sessions?

Sessions are normally offered on a weekly basis for around an hour. In the early part of treatment, sessions focus on helping you understand how certain situations, thoughts, emotions, physical feelings and behaviours interact in keeping your difficulties going. We call this a ‘formulation’ or ‘vicious cycle’. It is the shared understanding of the problem created between you and your therapist. This can help you deal with overwhelming problems in a more positive way. You can break them down into smaller parts. This will lead you to set specific goals for your treatment.

In subsequent treatment sessions, you will try new ways to influence the issues you are experiencing. Each session starts by agreeing an agenda with your therapist to ensure that therapy stays relevant to your goals. As with learning anything new, it is important to practice regularly. Your therapist will agree between session tasks with you based on what you have been working on in your appointments. At the end of treatment, this learning will be consolidated into a staying well plan. This will help you to maintain your progress on a longer-term basis.