CBT Sessions
Therapy sessions last for 1 hour, typically occurring on a weekly basis. You will be encouraged to identify specific therapy goals at the start that we will review to monitor your progress. We will work collaboratively to understand your difficulties, develop insight and learn cognitive and behavioural techniques. I may encourage you to practice some of theses techniques in between our sessions. This will help you to manage your own difficulties and ultimately allow you to become your own therapist / guide. Typically you will need between 6-12 sessions, although I will aim for as fewer sessions as necessary for you to work towards your goals.
What is CBT?
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) is a time-limited, structured and present focused form of psychotherapy. It is focused on solving current difficulties and teaching skills to change dysfunctional thinking and behaviour.
CBT as a psychotherapy, is based on the cognitive model: the way that individuals perceive situations is more closely connected to their reaction, than the situation itself (Beck 2011). CBT helps individuals to change their unhelpful thinking and behaviour that leads to improvement in mood and day to day functioning. CBT uses a variety of cognitive and behavioural techniques, and as part of this problem solving strategies are borrowed from additional psychotherapeutic approaches, including acceptance and commitment therapy and mindfulness (Beck 2011).
Accreditation
It can be daunting to begin the process of searching for a therapist. It is a very personal choice, however, you should strongly consider only using a Cognitive Behaviour Therapist who is accredited by the BABCP. This ensures that your therapist has been trained to the highest standard and that their clinical practice is regulated.