CBT or Cognitive Behavioural Therapies, are a range of talking therapies based on the theory that thoughts, feelings, what we do and how our body feels are all connected –  and on the theory that If we change one of these we can alter the others.  CBT is most often helpful when the difficulty has been of relatively recent duration. When people feel worried or distressed we often fall into patterns of thinking and responding which can worsen how we feel. CBT works to help us notice and change problematic thinking styles or behaviour patterns so we can feel better. CBT has lots of strategies that can help you in the here and now.

 

CBT, along with other ‘talking therapies’ has a good evidence base for a wide range of common mental health problems in adults, older adults, children and young people. This research has been carefully reviewed by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE), who provide independent, evidence-based guidance for the NHS on the most effective ways to treat disease and ill health.

 

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What can CBT help with?

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The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends CBT in the treatment of the following conditions which can be treated in the Clinic of Natural Medicine

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• Anxiety disorders (including panic attacks and post-traumatic stress disorder)

• Depression

• Bipolar disorder

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

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• Chronic fatigue

• Chronic pain

• Physical symptoms without a medical diagnosis

• Sleep difficulties

• Anger management

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CBT can be used if you are on medication which has been prescribed by your GP. You can also use CBT without anti-depressant or anti-anxiety medications  – the evidence shows that in the case of ‘mild to moderate’ depression, talking therapies are as effective as anti-depressant medication.  

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At the Clinic of Natural Medicine, CBT is offered in individual sessions with Ferga Robinson, a BABCP Accredited CBT psychotherapist.  The BABCP is the Lead Body for the training, Accreditation and regulation of CBT therapists. The number of sessions you need will be individually tailored to the difficulty you need help with.  For most people this will usually be between six and twenty sessions, which are typically about 50 minutes long.   

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You and the therapist will start a process of noticing and observing any patterns in thinking or behaviours which might be keeping problems going.  Both of you will break down the thinking of the behaviours into elements which can begin to be changed.  

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You will discuss your specific difficulties and set goals for you to achieve. CBT is not a quick fix – it involves hard work during and between sessions e.g. reading targeted material/books, keeping track of what you are thinking, feeling and doing, practising new ways of thinking or acting. Your therapist will not make decisions for you.  She will help you decide what difficulties you want to work on in order to help you improve your situation. Your therapist and you will also be able to plan how you can continue using CBT techniques in your daily life after your treatment ends.

 

TREATMENT DETAILS

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Fees:

 

£75 (negotiable in some cases)

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Practitioner:  Ferga Robinson

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