Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is an evidenced-based psychological treatment or talking therapy. CBT treatment focuses on the here and now and gives clients tools to work with their thoughts, behaviours and physical sensations to affect their emotions.
CBT allows the client over time to be their own therapist and manage their emotions in a way that is more beneficial to their everyday life.
CBT is recommended under National Institute for Health and Care Excellence Guidelines as a Gold Standard treatment for people with a range of mental health difficulties:
Depression (Low Self Esteem)
Post Natal Depression
Anxiety and Worry
Panic
Specific Phobia
Blood and Needle Phobias
Illness Anxiety formally Health Anxiety
Social Anxiety
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Death Anxiety
There is also a growing evidence-base for CBT having positive benefits for Long Term health conditions:
Diabetes
COPD
Heart Disease
Cancer
Medically unexplained symptoms
Pain Management
The guidelines recommend differing numbers of sessions depending on what the presenting problem is.