What is CBT? A Guide for Parents of Children and Young People

If your child has been recommended Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, or CBT, you may be wondering what it actually involves and whether it is the right approach for your child. CBT is one of the most widely used and thoroughly researched forms of psychological therapy in the world, and it has a strong evidence base for a wide range of conditions in children and young people.

This guide aims to explain what CBT is, how it works, and what to expect if your child begins a course of CBT therapy.

What is CBT?

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is a structured, goal-oriented form of therapy that focuses on the relationship between thoughts, feelings and behaviours. The central principle of CBT is that the way we think about a situation affects how we feel about it, and how we feel affects how we behave. By identifying and changing unhelpful patterns of thinking and behaviour, CBT helps people develop more effective ways of managing their difficulties.



CBT is recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) as a first-line treatment for a wide range of conditions including anxiety, OCD, depression and phobias. It is one of the most evidence-based therapies available, with decades of research supporting its effectiveness.

How is CBT Different for Children and Young People?

CBT was originally developed for adults, but has been extensively adapted for use with children and young people. The core principles are the same, but the way CBT is delivered is tailored to the age, developmental stage and individual needs of the young person.

With younger children, CBT sessions tend to be more activity-based, using games, drawings, stories and other creative approaches to explore thoughts and feelings in a way that feels engaging and age-appropriate. With teenagers, sessions tend to be more conversational, though creativity and humour still play an important role in building the therapeutic relationship.



CBT for children and young people also tends to involve parents and carers more than adult CBT. Parents may be involved in some sessions, and will often be given guidance on how to support their child between sessions and reinforce the skills being learned in therapy.

What Conditions Does CBT Treat?

CBT is effective for a wide range of conditions in children and young people, including anxiety in its various forms, OCD, depression, phobias, panic disorder, health anxiety, low self-esteem, emotional dysregulation, school refusal, ARFID, and tics and Tourette's.

What Happens in CBT Sessions?

CBT sessions are structured and focused. Each session typically has a clear agenda, and builds on the work done in previous sessions. Your child will be introduced to tools and techniques that they can practise between sessions, as the work done outside of therapy is just as important as the work done within it.



A typical course of CBT for a child or young person will begin with an assessment, in which the therapist works to understand the difficulties being experienced and agree on the goals for therapy. From there, sessions will focus on identifying unhelpful patterns of thinking and behaviour, developing new strategies to manage them, and practising those strategies in real life situations.

How Many Sessions Will My Child Need?

This varies depending on the individual and the nature of their difficulties. A typical course of CBT for children and young people involves between eight and twenty sessions, though some young people benefit from fewer and others may need more. Your therapist will be able to give you a clearer idea of the likely number of sessions following the initial assessment.

Does CBT Work Online?

Yes. Research consistently shows that CBT delivered online is just as effective as face to face therapy. For many young people, the comfort and familiarity of their own home actually makes it easier to engage openly in sessions. Online CBT also removes the need to travel, making specialist therapy accessible to families anywhere in the UK.

At Sulis Therapies

At Sulis Therapies, we offer specialist private CBT for children and young people up to the age of 26, delivered online across the UK. Our therapist is accredited by the BABCP, the leading professional body for CBT therapists in the UK, and has over twenty years of experience working with children and young people. Get in touch to arrange a free initial consultation and find out whether CBT is the right approach for your child.