Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a type of talking therapy. It is an evidence-based treatment, meaning research has shown it is an effective treatment.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) provides national guidance and advice to improve health and social care. They recommend CBT as a first choice for a range of issues.

CBT teaches you coping skills for dealing with different problems. It focuses on how your thoughts, beliefs and attitudes affect your feelings and actions.

CBT is based on the idea that how we think about situations can affect the way we feel and behave. For example, if you interpret a situation negatively, you might experience negative emotions. And those bad feelings might lead you to behave in a certain way.

CBT combines two types of therapy to help you deal with these thoughts and behaviours:

· cognitive therapy, examining the things you think

· behaviour therapy, examining the things you do.

CBT is a relatively flexible therapy that can be adapted to meet your particular needs.​ If you have an issue that you feel is impacting your quality of life, CBT can help.

Evidence suggests it can be an effective treatment for a range of difficulties, such as:

• Anxiety (general, social, specific)

• Worries & Overthinking

• Habits

• ADHD

• Panic Attacks

• Low mood or depression

• Insomnia

• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

• Long-term grief

• Overthinking

• Body Dysmorphia

• Binge Eating

• Perfectionism

• Phobias

• Personality Disorders

• Stress

• Upsetting Memories

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Although many people can benefit from CBT, not everyone finds it helpful. You might find that it just doesn't suit you, or doesn't meet your needs. If you’ve tried something and it hasn’t helped, it’s important not to blame yourself.

In this case you might want to think about the options below:

• Talk to your CBT therapist about your feelings (if you are currently receiving CBT). They may be able to talk through your concerns and help you get more out of the sessions.

• Find a different therapist. If things don’t feel right, or you don’t have a good relationship with your therapist, you may not get the most out of your sessions. You might find that you have a very different experience with a different therapist. Various therapies are available locally, including counselling and somatic therapy.

• Talk to your GP about a different treatment. Try to be honest about how you feel and what you need.