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Cognitive Behavioural Therapy CBT is the most popular form of talking therapies worldwide, supported by a strong scientific evidence base. According to the UK National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) and the American Psychological Association, CBT is the recommended treatment for anxiety and depression and other problems related to dysfunctional emotions, thoughts (cognitions) and behaviours.

CBT is based on the idea that thoughts, emotions and behaviours form a multi-directional interactive loop. For example, thinking a negative thought such as "Nobody likes me" will trigger feelings of sadness that will be reflected in behaviours such as withdrawing from others which, in turn, reaffirms the initial belief. This creates a vicious cycle that feels inescapable.

CBT was formed through the integration of Cognitive therapy (how we think) and Behaviour therapy (how we act) and uses a range of interventions from both therapies such as in vivo exposure, cognitive restructuring and response prevention.

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