What is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and How Can It Help Me? 

I have worked as a cognitive behavioural therapist in Billericay for many years, providing dedicated therapeutic support to people with a range of issues, from depression to anxiety to addiction to bereavement.

However, if you have never embarked on therapy before, you may be unsure about what cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) actually is. Many are scared off by the term; it can feel overly scientific or perhaps just a bit daunting. But there is nothing to worry about! CBT is the most widely researched and empirically supported method for certain mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety, and has helped people across the world deal with a number of complex issues.

To help you understand how CBT works a bit better, this blog walks you through all you need to know about what I can offer from my Billericay practice or online.

What Is CBT? 

CBT is a collaborative form of talking therapy that involves changing the way you think about yourself and others. In our sessions, we will identify negative thought patterns that you live with on a daily basis and understand the damaging effect they have on your behaviour and emotions. It is a highly structured treatment process that involves discussing specific thought patterns and setting goals based on your particular situation, whatever it may be.

Through getting you to walk through these feelings, which could include journaling or some other exercise, we will look to challenge these automatically negative interpretations of situations and events ahead of replacing them with more rational, compassionate thoughts. Doing this actively trains your brain to be kinder to itself, making it easier to deal with difficult situations and stay on top of moments of depression and/or anxiety.

How Does It Help?

The power of CBT lies in its ability to provide people with the tools they need to take control of how they interpret and deal with thoughts or situations. It makes you more aware of the internal cognitive processes that contribute to the proliferation of various mental health problems, such as anxiety, depression, eating disorders, insomnia, obsessive compulsive disorder, panic disorder, PTSD, and substance abuse. You become better equipped to spot certain patterns as they happen and prevent them from having an active role in your thinking and behaviours.

For instance, if you had a substance use disorder, CBT would enable you to become more aware of certain triggers and provide coping skills that allow you to deal with social situations or external events that could potentially cause a relapse. Staying loyal to this framework over time has been demonstrated to bring people into a better mental place.

If you are living with depression, anxiety, addiction, or any other issue that is negatively affecting your wellbeing, CBT can help. I offer a friendly, private, strictly non-judgemental space where you can receive a high standard of CBT in Billericay and online. Feel free to get in touch at any time!