Therapy approach
Cognitive behavioural therapy explores how thoughts, feelings, physical sensations and actions influence one another. With a therapist, people learn to notice unhelpful thinking patterns, test assumptions and practise different behaviours between sessions. CBT is usually structured and goal-focused, with techniques tailored to the person's situation.
Get started today →What sessions may involve
Agreeing an agenda, learning a formulation, practising cognitive or behavioural techniques and trying planned tasks between sessions.
What it may suit
May suit people seeking a structured approach to a defined difficulty, with practical skills to practise.
Delivery and fit
It is often time-limited and works well online for many people, but it requires collaboration and tasks should be adapted to access needs.
Evidence and uncertainty
CBT is recommended in NICE guidance for a range of conditions, but it is not equally helpful for everyone or every problem.