Learn more about Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a structured, evidence-based psychotherapy developed by Aaron T. Beck. It is based on the understanding that thoughts, emotions, and behaviours are closely interconnected, and that unhelpful thinking patterns can contribute to and maintain psychological distress.
As Beck noted, “the way individuals perceive a situation influences how they feel emotionally,” highlighting the central role of interpretation in emotional experience.
How does CBT work?
CBT focuses on helping individuals identify and modify unhelpful thoughts and behavioural patterns, while developing practical skills to better manage emotional responses.
This includes building awareness of thinking styles, testing and reframing unhelpful beliefs, and implementing behavioural strategies to support more adaptive coping. As Beck emphasised, “by modifying dysfunctional thinking, we can bring about change in affect and behaviour.”
Treatment is typically goal-oriented and time-limited, with an emphasis on skill development and application in everyday life. CBT is widely used in the treatment of anxiety, depression, and a range of other mental health conditions, with strong empirical support for its effectiveness.