Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is based on evidence of  what works. As a treatment it has been subject to rigorous applied  research and major research reviews over decades and has been  shown to be the most effective treatment for a range of common  psychological and emotional difficulties. For these reasons it is the   treatment of choice approved by the government’s official health  watchdog the  National Institute of Clinical Health Excellence (NICE).

CBT is a practical, ‘solution-based’ treatment that helps you to identify irrational thoughts, assumptions and beliefs and learn how to challenge them. Further, you are guided through the process of replacing them with more reasonable thoughts, which will give rise to more positive emotions, and healthy behaviours.

If you suffer from anxiety or depression you are likely to experience persistent negative or self-critical thoughts. These thoughts can be overwhelming and can aggravate a problem that you’re already struggling to deal with. Among most common critical thoughts are “you’re not good enough”, “you’ll make a fool of yourself”, “this is all your own fault”. These thoughts hold you back from taking actions in your life. Avoidance usually leads to ‘bottling out’ negative emotions, and it reinforces your sense of failure.

CBT tends to be of shorter duration than some other talking therapies. Typical course of treatment may involve between five and 20 hour-long weekly sessions, depending on the severity and the complexity of the problem. It is not a quick-fix, however. As every other form of psychotherapy, in order to be successful, it requires a lot of motivation, commitment and work. CBT works best for people who can identify the main problem they want help with. If you don’t have troubling symptoms, and instead feel vaguely unhappy or unfulfilled, more general psychotherapy may be more suitable for you.