Charles Darwin
Psychobiology & eCBT
“Man with all his noble qualities ... still bears in his bodily frame the indelible stamp of his lowly origin.”
Clinical Overview & Scientific Approach
Evolutionary psychological CBT (eCBT) integrates core principles of cognitive behavioural therapy with evolutionary psychology insights to address mental health difficulties through the lens of human adaptation and evolution.
The therapy aims to identify maladaptive thoughts and behaviours, but uniquely interprets these as remnants of previously adaptive responses shaped in ancestral environments. This approach fosters self-acceptance, as clients learn their problematic reactions (e.g., guilt, anxiety, people-pleasing) may have evolved for survival and reproduction rather than being inherent flaws.
Core Pillars of Evolutionary Psychotherapy
Evolutionary Conceptualisation: Problems are reframed as evolutionary 'fitness deficiencies' — maladaptive expressions of once-adaptive traits — helping clients adopt a non-judgmental stance toward their symptoms.
Psychoeducation: Clients learn about the evolutionary roots of emotions and behaviours, reducing shame and increasing insight into persistent patterns.
Standard CBT Structure: Retains collaborative empiricism, agenda-setting, goal formation, cognitive restructuring, and behavioural experiments, all delivered with an evolutionary rationale.
Behavioural Activation: Focus on activities believed to enhance evolutionary fitness, including social connections, conflict resolution, assertiveness training, and engagement with nature.
Reduction of Secondary Emotions: Evolutionary explanation of emotions (e.g., anger, guilt) helps reduce secondary emotional problems, such as self-criticism for having basic human reactions.
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.
Hewa Khalilifar
Consultant Psychotherapist
Consultant psychotherapist delivering evidence-based CBT and systemic relational therapies for couples and families.
Sam Tomlinson
Consultant Psychotherapist
Senior psychotherapist with special interest in executive coaching, resilience, and performance optimization.
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 psychobiology & ecbt.