Aaron Beck
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
“We cannot choose our external circumstances, but we can always choose how we respond to them.”
Clinical Overview & Scientific Approach
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a structured, time-limited, and goal-oriented psychotherapy that focuses on the relationship between thoughts, emotions, and behaviours to help individuals manage psychological distress. The central concept is the CBT triangle, emphasising that changing maladaptive thoughts leads to positive changes in feelings and actions.
Key components of CBT include collaborative empiricism, where therapist and client work together to identify and challenge distorted or unhelpful thoughts, and behavioural experiments designed to test new ways of thinking. The process begins with assessment and goal-setting, often using the SMART framework (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Time-limited), and is highly problem-focused, addressing current issues rather than past experiences.
Session Structure and Therapeutic Approach
CBT sessions are structured, typically starting with agenda-setting, reviewing homework, and focusing on specific targets for change. Common techniques include cognitive restructuring (challenging irrational beliefs), guided discovery (Socratic questioning), thought records, and scheduling pleasant activities.
Homework assignments are integral, encouraging the client to practice skills outside sessions. A strong therapeutic alliance, collaboration, and active participation by the client underpin successful CBT. Ultimately, CBT aims to empower individuals to become their own therapists, equipping them with lifelong skills to manage distress independently.
Consultants Delivering This Service
Our accredited psychologists and psychotherapists experienced in this clinical area.
Dr George Fieldman
Consultant Psychologist
Senior consultant psychologist specializing in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), evolutionary psychobiology, and executive consultation.
Wajih Sheikh
Consultant Psychotherapist
Senior psychotherapist with extensive clinical experience in CBT, imagery rescripting, and trauma recovery.
Dr Joyce Blake
Consultant Psychologist
Consultant psychologist specializing in young people (10-17) and adult psychotherapeutic interventions, CBT, and EMDR.
Tami Greene
Consultant Psychotherapist
Consultant psychotherapist offering EMDR, trauma-informed CBT, and emotional regulation support.
Hewa Khalilifar
Consultant Psychotherapist
Consultant psychotherapist delivering evidence-based CBT and systemic relational therapies for couples and families.
Diane Fanning
Consultant Psychotherapist
Specialist in cognitive behavioural interventions for mood, anxiety, and relational difficulties.
Sam Tomlinson
Consultant Psychotherapist
Senior psychotherapist with special interest in executive coaching, resilience, and performance optimization.
Dr Sarah Christie
Consultant Psychologist
Consultant clinical psychologist focusing on psychological assessment, CBT, and health psychology.
Bradley Clarke
Consultant Psychotherapist
Consultant psychotherapist focusing on cognitive restructuring, stress management, and emotional resilience.
Marianna Alexandrapoulos
Consultant Psychotherapist
Consultant psychotherapist delivering integrative CBT, anxiety treatment, and cross-cultural therapy.
Session Attendance Policy for Minors
We work with adults from 18 years of age, and with young people aged from 10 to 17. For children aged 10 to 15 years, a second responsible adult must be in attendance during sessions.
Begin Consultation with Clear Thinking Clinic
Contact our confidential reception to discuss availability, fees, or to arrange an initial session for cognitive behavioural therapy (cbt).