Question 1

What is CBT?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a supportive talking therapy that helps you understand how your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours are connected. It is an evidence-based approach, meaning it has been shown through research to be effective for many common emotional difficulties.

CBT is recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) as a first-line treatment for a range of concerns, including anxiety and stress.

CBT focuses on helping you build practical coping skills and a clearer understanding of what’s going on for you, so you can feel more confident in how you respond to challenges in everyday life.

Question 2

What types of problems can CBT help with?

Accepted Answer

CBT is a flexible therapy that can be tailored to your individual needs. It can be particularly helpful if anxiety, overthinking, or intense emotions are affecting your day-to-day life or making it hard to feel in control.

CBT offers a practical and supportive way to understand what’s happening for you and develop tools to manage difficult thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations more effectively.

CBT can be helpful for difficulties such as:
Generalised anxiety, social anxiety, or specific fears
Persistent worry and overthinking
Panic attacks or sudden spikes of anxiety
Feeling emotionally overwhelmed or finding emotions hard to regulate
Stress that feels constant or difficult to switch off
Sleep difficulties linked to anxiety or racing thoughts
Avoidance behaviours driven by fear or anxiety
Perfectionism and high self-criticism
Difficult or upsetting experiences that continue to trigger anxiety

Question 3

What if CBT doesn't work for me?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 4

Do I need a diagnosis to start therapy?

Accepted Answer

No. You don’t need a diagnosis to benefit from therapy. Many people seek CBT because something isn’t feeling manageable, even if they’re unsure how to label it.

Question 5

What should I look for in a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist?

Accepted Answer

The British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP) outlines minimum training standards, which can be helpful when choosing a CBT therapist. This typically includes completing a Postgraduate Diploma in CBT alongside supervised clinical practice. I am a BABCP Accredited CBT Therapist, meaning I meet these nationally recognised standards.

Don’t be afraid to ask about your therapist’s qualifications and training - a good therapist will always be happy to discuss this with you.

Your therapist should also have regular clinical supervision. This is an important part of ensuring therapy is delivered safely, ethically, and effectively, with support from a qualified and experienced supervisor.

Question 6

How many sessions will I need?

Accepted Answer

The number of sessions varies depending on your needs and goals. Some people find a small number of sessions helpful, while others prefer longer-term support. We’ll review this together as we go.

Question 7

How do I book my first session?

Accepted Answer

You can book online via the website, or get in touch by phone or email. If you’re unsure where to start, the free initial consultation can be a helpful first step.

Contact me via the form on my contact page:

Or call / text: +447762838750
Email: sian@thecbtspace.com

Book a session online via my book now service:

Question 8

Where are sessions held?

Accepted Answer

I offer face-to-face sessions at my private therapy room in Exmouth, Devon. Online and telephone sessions are also available if preferred.

Question 9

Do sessions have to last for an hour?

Accepted Answer

No, I am more than happy to adjust session lengths to your needs & abilities. Some clients prefer a 45-minute session and I also offer 30-minute sessions. Please get in touch to discuss your requirements.

Question 10

Will everything I tell my therapist be confidential?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, yes. Confidentiality is an important part of building trust with your therapist. But there are some exceptions, which help your therapist work responsibly:

Your therapist's supervisor
Therapists always discuss clients regularly with a supervisor, who also has to keep your confidence. This person should be another experienced therapist. It is unethical for a therapist to work without supervision. This is because:
It helps your therapist look after their own mental health, so they're better able to support you
It means someone else is aware of how your therapist is treating you, to make sure it's appropriate

Your safety
If your therapist believes that you're at serious risk of harming yourself or someone else, they may need to inform your GP, a healthcare professional or someone else. They should tell you first if they're going to do this.

Question 11

How much does a session cost?

Accepted Answer

£75 for a 60-minute session. A free 15-minute initial consultation is available to discuss what you would like help with and whether CBT may be suitable for you.I am a recognised provider with AXA Health, Aviva and WPA. If you have health insurance with one of these providers, your sessions may be covered. Please get in touch before booking to confirm your authorisation and any policy requirements.

Question 12

How do I pay for my session?

Accepted Answer

Sessions can be paid for at the time of booking, via debit / credit card or Apple / Google Pay. Payment is also accepted on the day of your appointment via cash, bank transfer or card payment.

Frequently Asked Questions