Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Available throughout Chester, Liverpool, Warrington and North Wales - and online work throughout the UK.

Core Principles of CBT

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CBT is based on the idea that:

• Thoughts influence feelings and behaviours: The way we think about a situation affects how we feel emotionally and physically, as well as how we behave. Therefore if we can change the way that we think about something then we can also change how we feel and what we do.

• Unhelpful patterns can be changed: We can all get in to unhelpful ways of thinking but learning CBT skills can help clients in identifying and challenging these negative thought patterns. This can lead to more positive feelings and more helpful behaviours

• Active participation leads to change: CBT involves team work between a client and their therapist to set goals, practice new skills, and track progress. It’s not about a therapist checking up on their clients but about helping clients to keep moving towards their own goals.

What to Expect in CBT Sessions

• Structured Sessions: Sessions usually follow a clear structure, often beginning with talking about progress so far, exploring current issues, and ending with goal-setting or home practice for the coming week

• Goal-oriented approach: Together, you and your therapist will identify specific goals to work toward that matter to you. The therapist will not tell you what your goals should be but will help you create specific goals based on what you want to achieve.

• Practical Techniques: You will learn strategies to manage your thoughts, behaviours, and emotions effectively

• Home Practice: You may be asked to complete tasks or reflect on situations outside of sessions to reinforce what you learn and to help you in moving forward

How Does CBT Work?

CBT involves several steps to help you better understand, manage and overcome your challenges.

• Identifying negative thoughts: You’ll learn to recognise patterns of thinking that are unrealistic, overly critical, self-defeating and unhelpful

• Challenging these negative thoughts: Using ‘evidence’ and logic, you’ll explore whether these thoughts are accurate or helpful

• Replacing them with balanced and more helpful thoughts: You’ll practice reframing unhelpful thoughts into more constructive ones. This is not about being unrealistically positive or ignoring the difficult things in life but about developing a balanced view that helps you to feel more self-assured, in control, skilled, worthy or at peace.

• Changing unhelpful behaviour patterns: CBT encourages small, manageable changes in behaviour to break cycles of avoidance, procrastination or other habits that may be maintaining your difficulties