CBT is an evidence-based, goal-oriented treatment designed to help individuals understand how the way they think about a specific situation affects the way they feel and consequently the way they behave. CBT focuses on identifying triggers that prompt negative thoughts, rigid self and world views, and unhelpful thinking patterns. The therapist and the client work together to challenge unhelpful thinking patterns and create new balanced ones that in turn feed back to feeling less distress and encourage healthy behaviour.
CBT helps individuals to develop healthy copies strategies and skills to address specific issues and find healthier solutions to emotional and behavioural problems. Depending on the individual and their specific psychological needs, CBT uses a range of techniques such as challenging negative thoughts, eliminating negative self-talk, eradicating unhelpful behavioural patterns, exposure experiments, and more.
For example, if you think ‘others do not like me’ (negative thought), you might feel anxious and low (feeling) and avoid meeting new people or attending social occasions (behaviour). Avoiding meeting new people and attending social occasions can in turn increase anxiety and negative thoughts. A vicious circle of negative thoughts – anxiety/low mood – withdrawal can be consolidated that will lead to further psychological distress.
CBT is effective for anxiety disorders (for example panic disorder, health anxiety, generalised anxiety disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder), work-related stress, depression, pain and anger management. It can also be helpful with eating and sleeping difficulties.
CBT is mainly focused on practically solution to emotional distress and is often a short-term intervention varying from 6 weeks to 6 months.
Dr Maria Pournara, Chartered Psychologist, has considerable experience in offering CBT online. If you would like to know more or schedule a session.
My approach
I am a highly trained and experienced Psychologist with more than 10 years in clinical practice, offering evidence based psychological treatment tailored to your unique needs. My approach allows me to draw from different therapeutic models and skills to offer a thoughtful therapeutic service and the best psychological care.
My qualifications
I am a Chartered Psychologist HCPC, BPS and BACP registered with more 10 years of experience in the NHS, third sector and private practice. I am a highly trained and experienced practitioner psychologist providing evidence based psychological services to individuals and couples. I apply my clinical expertise in a wide range of psychological and emotional difficulties offering a psychological service tailored to your unique needs. I aim to help you develop insight into your difficulties, acquire healthy coping strategies in order to lead a meaningful life and build meaningful relationships.