Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a structured form of psychotherapy that focuses on the connections between thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. It is a practical, goal‑focused approach that aims to help people identify and respond differently to unhelpful or unbalanced thinking patterns.

Core Principles

Present-focused - Addressing current difficulties rather than only the past.
Collaborative - Psychologist and client work together as a team.
Active Participation - Engagement in sessions and skill practice.
Structured - Clear format with regular progress reviews.
Evidence-Informed - Supported by substantial research.

Common Techniques

Cognitive Restructuring - Challenging unhelpful thoughts.
Behavioural Activation - Encouraging rewarding activities.
Mindfulness - Developing awareness to manage stress.
Exposure - Safely reducing avoidance of fears.
Problem-solving - Action plans for complex issues.

How CBT May Be Used

Anxiety - Managing worry and threat-based thinking.
Depression - Supporting engagement and identifying patterns.
PTSD - Processing trauma-related responses.
OCD - Addressing intrusive thoughts and behaviours.
Attention/Impulse - Strategies for focus and regulation.

CBT is a flexible approach and may be adapted to suit different presentations. The suitability of CBT depends on individual circumstances and is typically discussed as part of an initial assessment.