About Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy
This page contains basic answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) about CBT.
What is Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT)?
Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is the most influential modern evidence-based psychological therapy. It developed out of the combination of earlier behaviour therapy and cognitive therapy approaches in the 1970s. The word “cognitive” comes from the Latin word for knowledge, and simply refers to your thoughts and beliefs. Cognitive-behavioural therefore means “to do with thought and action.” All forms of psychological therapy attempt to help people overcome distressing emotions such as anxiety and depression. CBT attempts to help you cope with or change feelings (emotions) by first changing thoughts (cognition) and actions (behaviour). The NHS Choices website, which provides information for the public, has a section dedicated to CBT, containing videos and other resources.
What is CBT used for?
CBT can be used for many different problems. In several areas, CBT has a wealth of scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness, and it has often been found superior to other forms of therapy. CBT is particularly effective in the treatment of anxiety, depression, and related problems. Solutions, the London Cognitive Therapy Centre, specialises in the treatment of anxiety-related problems such as social anxiety (e.g., public speaking), phobias, stress, etc.
Why use CBT?
CBT is widely used in the NHS and by health insurance companies because it has such a strong body of evidence supporting its effectiveness. CBT takes fewer sessions than most traditional psychological therapies. It also approaches things from a more pragmatic and “common sense” perspective, with an emphasis on practical problem-solving.
How do I know if I’m suitable?
Your initial appointment will be a standard assessment session during which you’re suitability for CBT will be evaluated, and your problems assessed. Your therapist will also begin to formulate a description of your problems and a provisional plan of treatment. However, if you want to telephone or email us with any questions, we can often give basic advice, free of charge, before you book an appointment. If CBT doesn’t appear suitable or another treatment may be preferable, we will inform you and you will be under no obligation to continue treatment.
How many sessions will it take?
The number of sessions required varies depending on the type of problem. However, our clinic specialise in brief and short-term work, usually ranging from 6-20 sessions in typical cases. Your initial consultation and assessment session is used to arrive at a more specific estimate of the number of sessions recommended.
How do I book an appointment?
See our fees section or clinic location if you need more information. Otherwise, just contact us with any remaining questions or to book an initial appointment.
Blog Articles About Cognitive Therapy
- Initial Assessment Questions: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) May 17, 2012This article contains a series of questions about obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) symptoms designed to help you describe your problem for assessment in cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT). Continue reading → […]Solutions: London Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- A Metacognitive Model of Depression May 16, 2012This article briefly outlines a metacognitive model of depression. Continue reading → […]Solutions: London Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Appraisal of Obsessions & Compulsions May 14, 2012This article provides examples of questions potentially used in Metacognitive Therapy to help understand (conceptualise) obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Continue reading → […]Solutions: London Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Stoicism and CBT May 13, 2012These are my notes from a recent talk given as part of a panel speaking to the London Philosophy Club, on the philosophical origins of Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT). Continue reading → […]Solutions: London Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Mindfulness & Social Resilience May 13, 2012Mindfulness & Social Resilience Gaining Appropriate Psychological Distance Distressing thoughts in social anxiety differ qualitatively from thoughts in most other forms of anxiety in that they are often attributed to other people, e.g., “He thinks I’m an idiot.” Recent “mindfulness … Continue reading → […]Solutions: London Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Adaptive Checking in Metacognitive Therapy May 10, 2012This short article describes the strategy of "adaptive checking", a form of Exposure and Response Commission (ERC), in Metacognitive Therapy for obsessive-compulsive symptoms. Continue reading → […]Solutions: London Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Four Books by Donald Robertson May 3, 2012Brief description of four recent books by Donald Robertson on hypnosis, CBT, and philosophy. Continue reading → […]Solutions: London Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- The Essence of Stoic Philosophy April 17, 2012This brief article sums up the essence of Stoic philosophy, based on the definitive precepts in The Handbook of Epictetus. It does so in modern language and drawing anologies with cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and mindfulness and other acceptance-based therapy approaches. Continue reading → […]Solutions: London Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Stoic Philosophy & Resilience-Building April 12, 2012Stoicism and psychological resilience-building are discussed in relation to modern cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) in this new self-help book on resilience, part of the popular Teach Yourself series. Continue reading → […]Solutions: London Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- NHS Video: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) April 11, 2012Two NHS video clips about cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and a two-part ITV documentary. Continue reading → […]Solutions: London Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT)