Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, or CBT, is a type of talking therapy that helps you manage your problems by changing the way you think and behave.

It’s based on the idea that:

1. Your thoughts, feeling and actions and all connected
2. If you change one, you can influence the others
3. You don’t have to stay stuck in old thinking patterns

It’s not about digging your past. It’s about giving you the practical tools to cope with life now.

CBT is structured and focused. It’s not the same as traditional counselling, which can be made more open-ended. CBT usually works within a set number of sessions, usually somewhere between 6 and 20.

Here is what you can expect:

1. Goal Setting – You and your therapist will discuss the issues you would like to address and create a structured plan to achieve your goal
2. Identifying Patterns – You’ll learn to spot negative thinking styles that aren’t helping you
3. Challenging Thoughts – You’ll be guided to question whether your thoughts are realistic or helpful
4. Taking Action – You try out new behaviours and coping strategies in everyday situations

CBT techniques might include:

1. Writing down your thoughts
2. Exposure exercises (for Phobias or Anxiety)
3. Behavioural experiments
4. Learning how to relax

You’ll usually get homework between your CBT sessions. It’s part of what makes Cognitive Behavioural Therapy so effective that you’re not just talking; you’re making practical changes in your life.

People like CBT because it is:

1. Evidence-based – Countless studies prove that CBT works
2. Structured – You know what to expect and what you’re working towards
3. Practical – It gives you tools you can keep using even when you’ve finished your CBT therapy sessions
4. Focused On Now – Great for people who want a quick strategy that works, not deep emotional digging

Benefits can include:

1. Less anxiety and worry
2. Improved mood and energy
3. Better sleep
4. Stronger relationships
5. More confidence in handling stress

And because CBT helps you understand your own thinking, it often leads to long-term improvement, not short-term relief.

CBT is used to treat a wide range of mental health concerns. Some of the most common include:

1. Anxiety
2. Depression
3. Anger Management
4. Panic Attacks
5. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
6. Health Anxiety
7. Phobias (like Flying or Heights)
8. Social Anxiety
9. Stress
10. Sleep Problems (like Insomnia)
11. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

It is also used alongside other therapies or medications, depending on the situation.

If any of the above issues sound familiar, get in touch with us and ask about our CBT in Liverpool. We offer a FREE consultation, so it won’t cost you a penny to talk to one of our cognitive behavioural therapists.

Each session usually lasts around 50 minutes. Here is what a typical session looks like:

1. Check-in – You talk about how you’ve been since your last session
2. Review – You look at any “homework” you tried between sessions
3. Focus – Together, you pick one problem area to work on that day
4. Challenge – You explore the thoughts, beliefs and behaviours linked to the particular issue
5. Practice – You learn and apply a new skill or perspective
6. Plan – You and your CBT therapist will agree on what to try before your next session

Over time, you’ll build confidence in managing your thoughts and reactions without needing a therapist to guide you.

CBT isn’t all about “thinking positively” or pretending everything is okay.

Let’s clear up a few myths:

1. “It’s just a quick fix…” – CBT is short-term but it teaches you skills that you can use forever
2. “It doesn’t go deep enough…” – While it doesn’t dwell on your past, it still tackles the root of your problems – your thinking patterns
3. “It’s only for mild problems…” – CBT has been shown to work for mild, moderate and severe issues, especially with the right therapist

The key is finding a CBT therapist in Liverpool who truly understands what you’re going through and can tailor CBT sessions to meet your specific needs. That’s were we come in.

At Mindworks Counselling, we do CBT a little differently…

We know that no two people are the same and that means no two therapy journeys should be the same either. While many CBT approaches follow a rigid structure, our therapy is flexible, human and most importantly tailored to you.

Here is what makes our CBT stand out:

1. We take time to listen – Before any therapy begins, we will carefully listen to your story. We don’t rush you. We want to understand what life feels like from your side.
2. We personalise your sessions – Some people need more time on thought patterns. Others need help with behaviour changes. We shape CBT to match your exact needs, not a textbook.
3. We offer a clam, judgement-free space – Many of our clients say they feel safe and truly heard with us. That’s because we focus on building trust first.
4. We combine traditional CBT with real-world tools – You’ll leave sessions with practical techniques, ranging from thought provoking exercises to relaxation strategies that actually fit into your daily life.
5. We support you between sessions – Whether it is checking in on your progress or helping you apply what you’ve learned, our support doesn’t stop at the therapy room door.

Our team of highly qualified and experienced CBT therapists have helped many people across Liverpool move from stress and worry to clarity and confidence. And we’d love to help you do the same.

If you’re ready to break free from the same old thinking patterns, CBT could be exactly what you need.

Working with an experienced professional can make all the difference. We offer private, one-to-one CBT in Liverpool, uniquely tailored to your specific challenges, Whether you’re dealing with stress, anxiety, low mood, or anger, we can help you take practical steps towards feeling better.