All About CBT - Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
At times, it can feel as though you are stuck in patterns that repeat themselves, no matter how much insight you have. You may understand why you feel the way you do, but still find yourself reacting in the same ways, thinking the same thoughts, or feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, low mood, or self-doubt.
You may also find yourself at a point of change or uncertainty in your life, knowing something needs to shift but feeling unsure what that looks like or how to move forward.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) offers a practical and effective way of understanding these patterns and, importantly, changing them.
What is CBT?
CBT is based on the understanding that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviours are closely connected. When one shifts, the others are affected.
Thoughts Feelings Behaviours
Sometimes, unhelpful thinking patterns develop over time. These might include expecting the worst, being overly self-critical, or feeling responsible for everything and everyone. These patterns can become automatic, shaping how you experience yourself, others, and the world around you.
CBT helps you to gently step back, notice these patterns, and begin to relate to them differently.
How I work with CBT
While CBT can be very structured, I integrate it into a relational and trauma-informed way of working.
This means we don’t just focus on changing thoughts at the surface. We also explore where these patterns come from, how they have made sense in your life, and what might be needed for real and lasting change.
Alongside this, I often bring in a more coaching-style approach when it feels helpful, particularly around life transitions and decision-making. This might include times where you are:
- Considering a change in career or direction
- Navigating relationship decisions
- Adjusting to a new phase of life
- Feeling stuck, conflicted, or unsure what you want
In these moments, our work can be more active and forward-focused, helping you to clarify what matters to you, identify what may be holding you back, and support you in making changes that feel aligned and manageable.
In our work together, I may help you to:
- Identify patterns in thinking and behaviour that are keeping you stuck
- Understand the link between your thoughts, emotions, and reactions
- Challenge unhelpful or limiting beliefs in a supportive and realistic way
- Develop new ways of responding to situations
- Build confidence in your ability to cope and make different choices
At times, this can feel gently challenging. My aim is always to do this in a way that feels supportive, respectful, and paced appropriately for you.
What CBT can help with
CBT is widely used and can be helpful for many difficulties, including:
- Anxiety and panic
- Depression and low mood
- Overthinking and worry
- Phobias
- OCD
- Low self-esteem
- Stress and burnout
- Unhelpful relationship patterns
It can also be particularly helpful if you feel stuck in cycles, or at a crossroads in your life, and want both understanding and practical ways to move forward.
CBT alongside deeper therapeutic work
For some people, CBT on its own is enough to create meaningful change. For others, especially where there has been trauma or longstanding patterns, CBT works best alongside deeper therapeutic approaches. In this way, we can both understand the roots of your experiences and support you in making changes in the present.
This integrated way of working allows for both insight and action.
If you are considering CBT, we can explore together whether it feels like the right approach for you.
You don’t need to come with clear goals or a defined problem. We can begin wherever you are, and work at a pace that feels manageable.