Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

How Does CBT Work?

CBT with our experts at London Psychiatry Clinic is a structured, goal-oriented therapy designed to help you understand and manage unhelpful thought patterns and behaviours. Our tailored approach typically includes:

• Identifying Negative Thought Patterns: Recognising automatic thoughts that contribute to distress and understanding their emotional and behavioural impact.
• Cognitive Restructuring: Challenging and reframing unhelpful beliefs to develop healthier, more balanced thinking.
• Behavioural Activation: Encouraging positive actions to break cycles of avoidance, inactivity, or low mood.
• Exposure Therapy: Gradual, guided exposure to feared situations, helping to reduce anxiety and regain control, particularly for OCD, PTSD, and phobias.

Each session is designed to equip you with practical skills that can be applied in daily life, fostering long-term resilience and well-being.

What is CBT good for?

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a highly effective treatment for a wide range of mental health conditions. CBT is often considered the gold standard talking therapy for a wide range of mental health conditions, backed by strong evidence of its effectiveness according to a meta-analytic review published in the Cognitive Therapy and Research Journal. It works by helping you challenge anxious thoughts and gradually face your fears, breaking the cycle of worry and avoidance.

CBT is particularly effective for conditions like anxiety, depression, OCD and PTSD. It can also support people with autism in managing emotional regulation and social challenges.

CBT for Anxiety Disorders

CBT is one of the most effective treatments for anxiety, helping individuals recognise and challenge irrational fears, reduce avoidance behaviours, and develop coping strategies. Techniques such as cognitive restructuring and exposure therapy are commonly used to treat conditions like generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety, panic disorder, and health anxiety.

Numerous controlled trials show that CBT is more successful than waitlist and placebo treatments, and it is also superior compared with other types of psychological therapies.

CBT for Depression

CBT for depression focuses on breaking the cycle of negative thinking and inactivity that contributes to low mood. It encourages individuals to challenge self-critical thoughts, engage in meaningful activities, and develop problem-solving skills. By learning to reframe negative thoughts, individuals can regain a sense of control and improve their overall well-being.

A large review in the World Journal of Psychiatry indicated that CBT is as effective as medication for depression in the short term, but surpasses it in effectiveness over the long term.

Research in the UK found that adding CBT can make a real difference even for hard-to-treat depression. In one long-term study, nearly half of those who received CBT (in addition to usual care) had a 50% or greater reduction in symptoms, compared to only 27% who continued with usual care alone​. These benefits were long-lasting – people who had CBT still felt better nearly four years after therapy, highlighting how CBT leads to enduring improvements.

CBT for OCD & Intrusive Thoughts

For individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and intrusive thoughts, CBT is highly effective. It helps patients confront feared thoughts and resist compulsive behaviours, reducing distress over time. CBT also teaches techniques to manage intrusive thoughts without engaging in unhelpful rituals.

About 75% of people with OCD are significantly helped by CBT, often experiencing a big drop in obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviours, according to OCD UK. Some NHS clinics report recovery rates as high as 8 in 10 patients following a course of CBT for OCD​. This means the majority of individuals who engage in CBT can get back to their normal routines and feel much more in control after therapy.

CBT for PTSD & Trauma

CBT is widely used to help individuals process and recover from trauma. Trauma-focused CBT helps patients understand how past events impact their current emotions and behaviours. Techniques such as exposure therapy and cognitive restructuring can reduce distressing flashbacks, nightmares, and avoidance behaviours, supporting long-term recovery.

Most people who complete CBT for PTSD experience major improvements in their symptoms. Studies show that 61% to 82% of individuals treated with CBT no longer meet the criteria for PTSD afterwards (Watkins et al., 2018).

CBT for ADHD

CBT can be highly effective for individuals with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). It helps manage symptoms such as inattention, impulsivity, and emotional regulation difficulties. Unlike medication, which targets core ADHD symptoms, CBT focuses on practical strategies to improve time management, organisation, and impulse control. It also helps individuals develop coping mechanisms for common ADHD-related challenges, such as procrastination, low self-esteem, and difficulty maintaining focus. 

Meta-analyses showed that CBT is helpful for people with ADHD, and it may even reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, according to a review published by researchers from King’s College London. 

CBT for Autism

CBT can be adapted to support individuals with autism by helping them manage anxiety, social difficulties, and emotional regulation. It focuses on building coping strategies, improving flexible thinking, and addressing challenges such as sensory sensitivities or difficulty with change. Sessions are tailored to meet the individual’s needs and communication style.

In CBT, conversations are more structured and focus on specific details, unlike the open-ended style often found in psychotherapy. This style can be easier for some people with autism, who tend to struggle with abstract ideas. Research has shown that children and adolescents with ASD experience significant improvements in social skills and emotional challenges when they receive CBT.

CBT for Perinatal Mental Health

CBT is an effective therapy for individuals experiencing mental health challenges during pregnancy and after birth. It can help manage perinatal depression, anxiety, and intrusive thoughts by providing tools to regulate emotions, challenge unhelpful beliefs, and develop practical coping strategies. CBT also supports individuals with birth trauma or perinatal OCD, helping them regain confidence in their mental well-being.

CBT can significantly reduce the risk of developing postnatal depression or anxiety. In one study by the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, only 12% of women who participated in a CBT-based programme during pregnancy went on to develop postnatal depression, compared to 41% of those who did not. That represents an approximate 80% reduction in risk— demonstrating how CBT can protect mothers’ mental health. Many women who undergo CBT during the perinatal period report feeling better equipped to cope and more confident in caring for their babies.

What Are The Benefits of CBT?

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is one of the most widely researched and evidence-based psychological treatments, recommended by the NHS and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) for conditions like anxiety, depression, and OCD. Studies show that CBT is highly effective in reducing symptoms and improving long-term mental health outcomes. Unlike some forms of therapy that focus on deep-rooted past experiences, CBT is structured, short-term, and goal-oriented, typically lasting between 6 and 20 sessions. This makes it an accessible and efficient approach for individuals looking for practical solutions to their mental health challenges. 

One of the key benefits of CBT is that it equips individuals with lifelong coping strategies, helping them to manage negative thoughts, reduce distress, and prevent relapse even after therapy has ended. Additionally, CBT can be used alongside medication or as a standalone treatment, depending on individual needs. It is often recommended as a first-line treatment for anxiety and mild to moderate depression, but it can also enhance the effectiveness of antidepressants in more severe cases, providing a holistic approach to mental well-being.

What to Expect from CBT Sessions at London Psychiatry Clinic

At London Psychiatry Clinic, CBT sessions are tailored to each individual’s needs, ensuring a personalised and effective treatment plan. The number of sessions varies depending on the condition being treated, with most individuals benefitting from 6 to 20 structured sessions. During the initial assessment, our expert clinicians will discuss your concerns, set therapy goals, and determine the most appropriate number of sessions for your specific situation.

Our clinicians take a highly personalised approach, adapting CBT techniques to suit each person’s unique experiences and challenges. Whether you are dealing with anxiety, depression, OCD, or trauma, our therapists work collaboratively with you to develop practical coping strategies and address your concerns in a way that feels manageable and supportive.

We offer both in-person and remote CBT sessions, providing flexibility to suit different lifestyles and preferences. Patients can choose to attend therapy at our London-based clinic, where they can engage in face-to-face sessions in a comfortable and confidential setting. Alternatively, for those who prefer the convenience of therapy from home, we provide secure video consultations, ensuring high-quality care regardless of location.

FAQs About CBT

How long does CBT take?

The length of CBT treatment varies depending on the individual and the condition being treated. On average, most people require 6 to 20 sessions, with each session typically lasting an hour. Some individuals may need fewer sessions for mild difficulties, while others with more complex challenges, such as OCD or PTSD, may benefit from a longer course of therapy. Your therapist will discuss the recommended number of sessions during your initial assessment.

Does CBT work for everyone?

CBT is an evidence-based therapy proven to be effective for a wide range of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, OCD, and PTSD. However, like any treatment, its effectiveness depends on individual factors, such as engagement with the process and a willingness to apply techniques between sessions. While many people find CBT highly beneficial, some may require alternative approaches or a combination of therapies for the best results. If CBT is not the right fit, our clinicians at the London Psychiatry Clinic can explore other therapy options tailored to your needs.

Can I have CBT alongside medication?

Yes, CBT can be used on its own or in combination with medication, depending on individual needs. For conditions like moderate to severe depression, OCD, or anxiety disorders, research suggests that a combination of CBT and medication (such as antidepressants) can be particularly effective. Your psychiatrist or therapist will work with you to determine the best treatment plan based on your symptoms, preferences, and medical history.

What happens in a CBT session?

CBT sessions are structured and goal-oriented, focusing on identifying and challenging negative thought patterns and behaviours. In each session, you will:

• Discuss your current concerns and challenges.
• Explore how thoughts, feelings, and behaviours are connected.
• Learn specific techniques to challenge unhelpful thinking and develop healthier coping strategies.
• Set practical tasks or exercises to apply what you've learned between sessions.
• Review progress and adjust strategies as needed.

CBT is a collaborative therapy, meaning you work alongside your therapist to develop personalised solutions that can be applied to everyday life.

Is online CBT as effective as in-person therapy?

Yes, research shows that online CBT is just as effective as in-person therapy for many mental health conditions. At the London Psychiatry Clinic, we offer secure remote sessions via video consultation, providing flexibility while maintaining the same high standard of care.

Do I need a referral for CBT?

No, you do not need a referral to book a CBT session at the London Psychiatry Clinic. You can contact us directly to arrange an appointment with one of our experienced therapists.

What if CBT doesn’t work for me?

If CBT doesn’t provide the desired results, our clinicians can discuss alternative therapies, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), or psychodynamic therapy. We tailor treatments to each individual's needs to ensure the best possible outcomes.

CBT Therapy London

Take the first step towards better mental health with expert CBT therapy at the London Psychiatry Clinic. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, OCD, or trauma, our experienced clinicians provide personalised, evidence-based treatment to help you regain control and build lasting coping strategies.

Book a CBT Session Today

Call us: +44 20 3488 8555

Email us: enquiries@londonpsychiatry.clinic

Book online: https://www.londonpsychiatry.clinic/contact