Assessment:

Your initial appointment gives me an understanding of what you are seeking help with, and it is your chance to find out more about CBT, and how I can help. Once we both agree that CBT is the most appropriate approach for you, and that we can work together, I can estimate how many sessions may be helpful.

Treatment

Time-limited:

The number of CBT sessions completely depends on your personal situation and the problem(s) with which you would like help. This usually consists of between 6-20 weekly or fortnightly sessions lasting 1 hour. We will review the progress regularly to ensure that you are benefitting from the therapy. You have no obligation to complete the treatment if you change your mind. 

Goal-orientated:

CBT sessions will be focused on achieving your treatment goals. You do not need to know what those goals are when you come to therapy. We can identify them together. Developing a shared understanding of things you are finding difficult, will allow us to identify any unhelpful patterns and can guide you on what you would like to change.

Practical:

Our session tasks (‘homework’) are an integral part of the therapy. These are designed to give you an opportunity to practice helpful ideas and strategies developed in the session out in the real world.

Preparing for future:

We will plan how you can continue to build on improvements you have made in therapy, so that you can better manage any potential difficulties you may encounter in the future. Ultimately the aim is to help you become more empowered to maintain your well-being and to enjoy life!

What can CBT help with?

CBT is recommended by NICE for treatment of depression and range of anxiety difficulties. CBT can help with the following psychological difficulties: 

• Depression and Low Mood
• Panic Disorder (including fear of losing control of bodily functions)
• Agoraphobia
• Social Anxiety
• Health anxiety 
• Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD)
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Phobias (E.G. heights, animals, injections, blood)
• Schizophrenia and psychosis
• Bipolar disorder
• Low Self-Esteem and Confidence
• Body Image Issues
• Adjustment Disorder
• Trichotillomania
• Chronic fatigue
• Chronic pain
• Physical symptoms without a medical diagnosis
• Abuse 
• Sleep difficulties
• Anger management
• Eating disorders 
• Relationship Issues
• Work-bases issues
• Complex and complicated bereavement
• Problems related to alcohol misuse

For more information on what CBT can help with:

https://www.babcp.com/Public/What-is-CBT.aspx

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cognitive-behavioural-therapy-cbt/