Cognitive behavioural therapy
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a form of talking therapy that aims to change the way someone thinks and behaves.
It is a clinically proven method of helping people understand underlying factors, as well as unhelpful thoughts and beliefs that are linked to their emotional distress and destructive behaviours.
The treatment aims at motivating individuals to challenge their negative thoughts and irrational beliefs. In turn, individuals can learn to create more positive and helpful emotional and behavioural responses to situations and feelings.
It is mainly used to treat anxiety and depression, but can also be effective in treating a range of mental health problems.
How does cognitive behavioural therapy work?
CBT is based on the idea that our thoughts can affect the way we feel and behave in situations.
Throughout CBT, you will work with the therapist to identify and challenge any negative thinking or behaving patterns that may be causing an issue in your life. Treatment sessions revolve around finding specific goals and ways of identifying and challenging problems.
Through therapy, you will discover the tools to help manage your difficulties and interrupt negative thought patterns.
The basic principles of CBT include:
- Working with the therapist to identify any issues in your past or present
- Becoming aware of your issues
- Identifying your negative patterns of thinking, feeling and behaving
- Reshaping your feelings and moving forward with helpful feelings and behaviours
CBT is a short-term therapy, which generally ranges from five to 20 sessions, depending on a range of factors.
What can cognitive behavioural therapy treat?
CBT is a proven and effective treatment for a variety of mental health conditions, including:
- Anxiety and depression
- Addiction
- Trauma or PTSD
- Relationship or interpersonal issues
- Self-harm
- Phobias
- Bipolar
- Anger problems
Cognitive behavioural therapy at Nightingale Hospital London
At Nightingale Hospital, cognitive behavioural therapy can be accessed in an individual or group setting as part of an outpatient, day patient or inpatient programme.
We have a number of fully accredited specialists with a breadth of experience in all mental health conditions to match your individual situation.
You can browse our therapists that specialise in cognitive analytic therapy using our finder tool. Additionally, you can call +44 (0)20 7535 7700 to speak to a member of our team about finding a suitable therapist for you.
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Related conditions
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Anger problems
- Anorexia nervosa
- Anxiety
- Behavioural addictions
- Binge eating disorder (BED)
- Bulimia nervosa
- Bipolar disorder
- Depression
- Drug addiction
- Dual diagnosis
- Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorders (OSFED)
- Gambling addiction
- Mood disorders
- Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Panic attacks
- Perinatal mental health
- Phobias
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Psychosis
- Suicidal thoughts and feelings
- Stress
- Self-harm
- Schizophrenia
- Sex and love addiction
- Technology addiction
