What You Need to Know About Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and How It Can Help You
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a short-term, goal-focused therapy that helps you change unhelpful thoughts to improve how you feel and act. It’s based on the idea that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviours are deeply connected.
What CBT Can Help With
CBT is highly effective for:
Anxiety, panic, and phobias
Depression
PTSD and simple trauma
OCD
Low self-esteem and perfectionism
Stress and anger management
Whether you struggle with negative self-talk, fear, or emotional patterns, CBT offers a clear path to healing.
How CBT Works
CBT teaches that changing how you think can change how you feel and behave. For example, instead of thinking, “I’ll mess up this presentation,” CBT helps you reframe it to, “I’ve prepared well. Even if I’m nervous, I can manage.”
Core Tools in CBT
In therapy, you’ll use practical tools such as:
Cognitive restructuring – challenging negative thoughts
Behavioural experiments – trying new responses
Exposure therapy – facing fears gradually
Thought journaling – tracking patterns
Skills training – managing emotions and building confidence
What to Expect
CBT typically lasts 6–20 sessions. Each session includes check-ins, skill-building, and small goals to practice between visits. It’s a structured, collaborative approach focused on the present and future—not just the past.
Healing from Simple Trauma
CBT is also helpful for “simple” trauma, like emotional neglect or past criticism. It helps you unpack and rewrite the beliefs you formed from those experiences, so your past no longer defines you.
Why CBT Works
With CBT, you gain:
Reduced anxiety and stress
Better emotional regulation
Greater confidence and resilience
It empowers you with tools to understand and change your patterns—even after therapy ends.
Is CBT Right for You?
CBT is helpful for teens, adults, and children (with adjustments). It’s ideal if you:
Feel stuck or overwhelmed
Struggle with self-esteem
Want a structured, practical approach to healing
Start Your Healing Journey
Seeking help is a brave first step. CBT isn’t just about managing symptoms—it’s about transforming how you relate to your thoughts, emotions, and yourself.