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Writer's pictureEllis Wood ADI

What is cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)?

Updated: Aug 19, 2023


Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a type of therapy that focuses on the connection between our thoughts, feelings, and actions. It helps you understand how your thoughts affect your emotions and behaviors, and teaches you practical strategies to make positive changes in your life.

Let's break it down:


  1. Thoughts: CBT recognizes that our thoughts play a big role in how we feel and behave. It's not just the events or situations in our lives that directly cause our emotions, but rather our interpretations and thoughts about those events. CBT helps you become aware of your thoughts and identify any patterns of negative or unhelpful thinking.

  2. Feelings: CBT acknowledges that our thoughts can strongly influence our emotions. By examining and challenging negative or distorted thoughts, CBT aims to help you develop more balanced and realistic ways of thinking, which in turn can lead to healthier emotions.

  3. Actions: CBT emphasizes that our thoughts and feelings also impact our behaviors. By changing negative thoughts and managing emotions more effectively, CBT helps you develop healthier coping strategies and make positive changes in your actions and behaviors.


CBT involves working collaboratively with a trained therapist who will guide you through the therapy process. The therapist helps you identify and challenge negative thinking patterns, teaches you new coping skills, and supports you in implementing positive changes in your life.

Here are some key features of CBT:


  • Goal-Oriented: CBT is focused on specific goals and targets the issues or challenges you want to address. It helps you set clear objectives and work towards achieving them.

  • Active and Practical: CBT is a practical therapy that involves actively engaging in exercises and homework assignments between sessions. It encourages you to apply the strategies and skills you learn in therapy to real-life situations.

  • Evidence-Based: CBT is a well-researched and evidence-based approach. It has been extensively studied and shown to be effective in treating a wide range of mental health conditions, such as anxiety disorders, depression, phobias, and more.

  • Skills for Life: CBT equips you with lifelong skills that you can use even after therapy has ended. The techniques and strategies learned in CBT can help you manage stress, improve communication, and enhance your overall well-being.


In summary, CBT is a therapy that helps you understand the connection between your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. It provides practical tools and strategies to challenge negative thinking, manage emotions, and make positive changes in your actions. Through CBT, you can develop healthier thought patterns, improve your mental well-being, and enhance your quality of life.

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