Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a practical, evidence-based therapy that focuses on the links between what we think, how we feel, and what we do, including the ways we try to cope.

Together, we look at how your thoughts, beliefs, emotions, and responses may be creating patterns that keep difficulties going, such as unhelpful cycles. By understanding these patterns, CBT helps you make sense of your experiences, challenge unhelpful thoughts, and develop more effective ways of coping.

CBT is widely used in the NHS and is recommended by NICE (the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). It is effective for a range of difficulties, including depression, anxiety, phobias, panic, PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), and OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder). It can also be helpful for some physical health conditions, such as chronic pain and IBS (irritable bowel syndrome).

CBT is usually focused on the present and on building practical skills you can use in your everyday life, helping you feel more in control and better able to cope.