cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)

What is CBT?

CBT, or Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, is a talking therapy that has been proven to help treat a wide range of emotional and physical health conditions in adults, young people and children.  CBT looks at how we think about a situation and how this affects the way we act. In turn, our actions can affect how we think and feel. The way our body feels is linked to our emotions and our thoughts.

The therapist and client work together in noticing whether any thoughts or behaviours are unhelpful for the client, and thinking about whether these could be changed.

Evidence for CBT

There is a great deal of research evidence to show that CBT works effectively in treating depression. This research has been carefully reviewed by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE).

NICE provides independent, evidence-based guidance for the NHS on the most effective ways to treat disease and ill health. CBT is recommended by NICE for the treatment of anxiety disorders.

What can CBT help with?

NICE recommends CBT in the treatment of the following conditions:

anxiety disorders (including panic attacks and post-traumatic stress disorder)
depression
obsessive compulsive disorder
schizophrenia and psychosis
bipolar disorder


There is also good evidence that CBT is helpful in treating many other conditions, including:

chronic fatigue
behavioural difficulties in children
anxiety disorders in children
chronic pain
physical symptoms without a medical diagnosis
sleep difficulties
anger management
CBT can be used if you are on medication which has been prescribed by your GP. You can also use CBT on its own. This will depend on the difficulty you want help with.

In my clinical work with children, adolescents & adults, I specialise in:

  •  Anxiety  - such as panic attacks, social anxiety, worry and obsessive compulsive behaviours and somatic problems. 
  •  Eating difficulties/disorders – including Bulimia, Binge eating and Anorexia. 
  •  Other areas – including life transitions, spirituality and workplace issues.

 How I work

The initial assessment takes a holistic approach looking broadly at lifestyle factors which may have contributed to the problem and identifying maintaining factors which perpetuate the difficulties.  I routinely use a range of assessment scales and questionnaires usually appropriate to and focused on any given person’s particular problems e.g. identifying key worry themes or beliefs associated with unwanted intrusive thoughts.

I primarily use tried and tested Cognitive Behavioural approaches/models but I also draw on the latest developments in compassion/ mindfulness based approaches and new perspectives in neuro-science.

 when is cbt available?

Fiona our CBT therapist is available here in Blandford generally on a Tuesday, Thursday and some Saturday mornings.