Cognitive behavioural therapy

Cognitive and/or behavioural psychotherapies (CBP) are psychological approaches based on scientific principles and which research has shown to be effective for a wide range of problems.

Clients and therapists work together, once a therapeutic alliance has been formed, to identify and understand problems in terms of the relationship between thoughts, feelings and behaviour.

The approach usually focuses on difficulties in the here and now, and relies on the therapist and client developing a shared view of the individual’s problem. This then leads to identification of personalised, usually time-limited therapy goals and strategies which are continually monitored and evaluated. The treatments are inherently empowering in nature, the outcome being to focus on specific psychological and practical skills (e.g. in reflecting on and exploring the meaning attributed to events and situations and reevaluation of those meanings) aimed at enabling the client to tackle their problems by harnessing their own resources.

The acquisition and utilisation of such skills is seen as the main goal, and the active component in promoting change with an emphasis on putting what has been learned into practice between sessions (“homework”). Thus the overall aim is for the individual to attribute improvement in their problems to their own efforts, in collaboration with the psychotherapist. Cognitive and/or behavioural psychotherapists work with individuals, families and groups.

The approaches can be used to help anyone irrespective of ability, culture, race, gender or sexual preference. Cognitive and/or behavioural psychotherapies can be used on their own or in conjunction with medication, depending on the severity or nature of each client’s problem.

What would I expect at a CBT session?

A CBT session is a safe, confidential conversation, where the clients goals are clarified, and within reachable steps; the ways to reach those goals will be agreed upon ,using “tools” such as : “thought records” ,  “behavioural experiments” ( where evidence for assumption can be gained and behaviours practiced) and assertiveness skills etc , in an agreed and collaborative process. Education will be used to help clients understand the emotions and thoughts they have, and also, often clients have assumptions which prevent us living our life the way we would prefer.

I also offer Couples Counselling.

Please see here for information for clients.

In compliance with the professional body for Counselling and Psychotherapy in Scotland please note that in the event of a complaint, refer to the COSCA Complaints Procedure here