WHAT IS CBT?

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) has been around since the 1960’s

and is a highly effective therapeutic intervention. It looks at the relationship

between the ways we think, feel, and behave. CBT concentrates on

how each 'part' influences the other, and highlights patterns and cycles

that maintain life experiences. This is particularly helpful for us when we

have pervasive behavioural patterns, such as those of repeated unhealthy

relationships and low self-esteem.

 

​An abundance of studies have demonstrated that methods to challenge unhelpful thoughts and behaviours help us to become 'unstuck' and move forward in healthy ways. CBT is one of the most widely used forms of psychotherapy, it is recommended by The National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) as a robust and evidence based therapeutic intervention. Studies have found that CBT can be as effective as medication for treating depression and anxiety and can be more effective in preventing relapse. CBT has also been found to be effective in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and social phobia which commonly emerge as a primary or secondary presentation often associated with low self-esteem.  

CBT uses a variety of techniques such as cognitive restructuring, behavioural activation, and exposure therapy. It often involves testing out our beliefs and incorporates working between sessions to support your learning, encourage lasting transformations and adopt behavioural changes. As CBT teaches new life skills you can continue to practise them after therapy which enhances your prospects of reliable recovery.

 

CBT is an interactive and collaborative treatment bringing both clinician and client together to learn new and empowering life skills. The intervention recognises every individual as an expert in their own lives and seeks to build confidence, take ownership, and direct life in purposeful and meaningful ways. 

 

You can find out more information about Cognitive Behavioural Therapy here. 

 

When we have experienced unhealthy relationships both within childhood and adulthood, in addition to developing a sense of low self-esteem, we may also experience mental health conditions such as depressed mood and anxiety. Often low self-esteem leads us to make unhelpful life choices that can result in trauma and PTSD. Sometimes we may develop OCD as a secondary response to trauma and feelings of loss of control. We may also experience a general feeling of overwhelm and impending doom.

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As well as providing practical advice and education about unhealthy relationships and how they impact our lives, I can also help you to move forward emotionally, addressing symptoms such as:

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• suicidal thoughts

• racing thoughts

• muscle tension 

• exhaustion/tiredness 

• flashbacks/ reliving events 

• feeling on edge or on guard or hypervigilant 

• experiencing repetitive thoughts and/or behaviours

• lethargy and poor motivation 

• feelings of emptiness

• heart palpitations 

• poor concentration 

• loss of focus