What is cognitive behavioural therapy?
A short note on how thoughts, emotions and behaviour affect one another – and what follows for therapy.
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is one of the most thoroughly researched approaches in psychotherapy. It rests on a simple observation: the way we interpret situations shapes how we feel and how we act.
Thoughts, emotions, behaviour
These three form a circle. Once we notice which thought sets off a difficult emotion, we can test it, look at the situation more broadly and try to respond differently.
How the work looks
- we set concrete goals
- you learn to observe your thoughts and reactions
- between sessions you practise new ways of acting
- we review progress regularly
This gives therapy a clear structure, and the skills you learn stay with you after it ends.