Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

So what is CBT?

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy or CBT, is a family of talking therapies, all based on the idea that thoughts, feelings, what we do, and how our bodies feel, are all connected. If we change one of these we can alter all the others.

When we’re low or upset, we often fall into patterns of thinking and responding which can worsen how we feel. CBT works to help us notice and change problematic thinking styles or behaviour patterns so we can feel better. 

CBT is a collaborative therapy – it’s not something that is done to someone, it’s a way of working together with a CBT therapist on mutually agreed goals.

What can CBT help with?

CBT works for lots of different people and problems, and is widely recommended by national treatment guidelines across the UK, EU and North America. The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) provides independent, evidence-based guidance for the NHS on the most effective, proven treatments. CBT is recommended in NICE guidelines for many different problems (https://www.nice.org.uk) including:

  • anxiety disorders (including panic attacks)
  • depression
  • obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
  • post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • bipolar disorder
  • eating disorders
  • tinnitus
  • insomnia

There is also good evidence that CBT is helpful in helping people cope with the symptoms of many other conditions.

CBT approaches can be used with children as well as adults and older adults. 

A course of CBT can be completed alone or at the same time as taking medication prescribed by a GP or other doctor. This will depend on the difficulty CBT is helping with and on personal choice.

Symptoms You May Recognise

You may be noticing that your thoughts feel overwhelming or difficult to switch off. Perhaps you’re experiencing anxiety, low mood, constant worrying, or a sense of being “on edge” without knowing why. You might find yourself avoiding situations, feeling overly self-critical, or stuck in unhelpful patterns you can’t seem to break. Many people also recognise physical symptoms such as tension, restlessness, poor concentration, trouble sleeping, or a general feeling of exhaustion. If any of this feels familiar, CBT can help you understand what’s going on and begin to change the patterns that keep you feeling stuck.

What CBT Sessions look like

CBT sessions are structured, collaborative and focused on helping you make meaningful changes in your daily life. Together, we explore the links between your thoughts, feelings and behaviours, and identify the patterns that may be contributing to your difficulties. You’ll learn practical tools and strategies you can use between sessions, so progress continues outside the therapy room. Each session builds on the last, at a pace that feels safe and manageable. CBT isn’t about telling you how to think — it’s about helping you gain insight, develop healthier coping skills, and feel more in control of your wellbeing.

Does CBT Work?

Numerous research studies suggest that CBT leads to significant improvement in functioning and quality of life. In many studies, CBT has been demonstrated to be as effective as, or more effective than other forms of psychological therapy or psychiatric medications.

It is important to emphasise that advances in CBT have been made on the basis of both research and clinical practice. Indeed, CBT is an approach for which there is ample scientific evidence that the methods that have been developed actually produce change. In this manner, CBT differs from many other forms of psychological treatment.

Contact me

If you are looking for CBT in North Lanarkshire or online contact me to see how I can help – Enquiry Form