Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
A structured, evidence-based therapy that helps children and young people understand and change the thoughts and behaviours that are holding them back.
What is CBT?
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, or CBT, is one of the most widely used and thoroughly researched forms of psychological therapy in the world. It is recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) for a wide range of mental health conditions in children and young people.
CBT is based on the principle that our thoughts, feelings and behaviours are closely connected. By identifying and challenging unhelpful patterns of thinking, and gradually changing the behaviours that reinforce them, CBT helps young people develop practical skills to manage their difficulties and improve their wellbeing.
Unlike some forms of therapy, CBT is structured and goal-oriented. Sessions have a clear focus, and young people are given tools and techniques they can use in their everyday lives, long after therapy has ended.
What CBT Can Help With
CBT is an effective treatment for a wide range of conditions in children and young people. Following an assessment, we will advise whether CBT is the recommended approach for your child. Conditions we treat using CBT include:
Hi! I'm Christina
After seven years as a CAMHS therapist, I have extensive experience delivering CBT to children and young people across a wide range of conditions. I am accredited by the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP), the leading professional body for CBT therapists in the UK.
Hi, I'm Christina
After seven years as a CAMHS therapist, I have extensive experience delivering CBT to children and young people across a wide range of conditions. I am accredited by the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP), the leading professional body for CBT therapists in the UK.
What to Expect from CBT
Starting therapy can feel daunting, particularly if your child has never spoken to a therapist before. Here is what you can expect from the process.
Initial Assessment
The first sessions are a comprehensive assessment. This is an opportunity to understand the difficulties being experienced in detail and to begin building a picture of what is going on and how CBT can help. At the end of the assessment there will be a much clearer idea of how many sessions are recommended and what the focus of therapy will be.
Setting Goals
CBT is a goal-oriented therapy. Early in the process we will work with your child to identify clear, achievable goals for therapy. Having a shared sense of what we are working towards helps keep sessions focused and gives your child something concrete to measure their progress against.
The Sessions
Sessions last 50 to 60 minutes and typically take place weekly. Each session has a clear agenda and builds on the previous one.
Between Sessions
The work done between sessions is an integral part of CBT. Your child will be given tasks to complete between sessions, such as thought records, behavioural experiments and practising techniques introduced during the session. This between-session work is an integral part of the therapy and plays an important role in consolidating progress and building new skills in everyday life.
Progress and Ending Therapy
CBT is not open-ended. As your child progresses and their goals are achieved, therapy will come to a natural close. The skills developed during CBT are theirs to keep, giving them the tools to manage future challenges independently.
Online Therapy That Really Works
Many parents wonder whether online therapy can be as effective as face to face sessions, particularly for younger children. The evidence is clear: for CBT, online delivery is just as effective as in person therapy, and for many young people the comfort and privacy of their own space actually makes it easier to open up.
There's no journey, no waiting room, and no unfamiliar environment to navigate. Just a familiar screen and a safe, supportive conversation where they can be accompanied by pets, favourite toys etc.
For parents, online therapy means access to a specialist regardless of where you are in the UK, without the need to travel or disrupt your child's school day. Sessions can be arranged around your schedule, including evenings and weekends. Most schools are happy to accommodate sessions in private rooms during the school day if this is preferable for your child.
Online Therapy That Really Works
Many parents wonder whether online therapy can be as effective as face to face sessions, particularly for younger children. The evidence is clear: for CBT, online delivery is just as effective as in person therapy, and for many young people the comfort and privacy of their own space actually makes it easier to open up.
There's no journey, no waiting room, and no unfamiliar environment to navigate. Just a familiar screen and a safe, supportive conversation where they can be accompanied by pets, favourite toys etc.
For parents, online therapy means access to a specialist regardless of where you are in the UK, without the need to travel or disrupt your child's school day. Sessions can be arranged around your schedule, including evenings and weekends. Most schools are happy to accommodate sessions in private rooms during the school day if this is preferable for your child.
More About CBT
Is what my child says in sessions confidential?
Yes. What your child discusses in sessions is confidential, and will not be shared with parents or carers without their consent. The exception to this is if information is disclosed that raises concerns about harm or potential harm to your child or to others. In those circumstances, confidentiality may need to be broken in order to keep your child safe. This will always be explained to your child at the start of therapy.
Can my child access therapy if they are already taking medication?
Yes. Therapy and medication are not mutually exclusive, and many young people benefit from both simultaneously. If your child is currently taking medication prescribed by their GP or psychiatrist, this does not affect their ability to engage in CBT or EMDR. We would simply ask that you let us know at the assessment stage so we have a full picture of your child's current support.
Is CBT suitable for my child?
CBT is one of the most widely used and well-evidenced therapies available for children and young people, and is effective for a broad range of conditions including anxiety, depression, OCD, phobias and more. The best way to determine whether CBT is the right approach for your child is through an initial assessment, where we can discuss their difficulties in detail and recommend the most appropriate treatment.
How is CBT different from other types of therapy?
CBT is structured, goal-oriented and focused on the present. Rather than exploring the past in depth, CBT focuses on understanding how current patterns of thinking and behaviour are maintaining difficulties, and developing practical skills to change them. This makes it a relatively focused and time-limited therapy compared to some other approaches.
What's the difference between CBT and EMDR?
CBT and EMDR are both evidence-based therapies but they work in different ways. CBT focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviours, while EMDR works by helping the brain reprocess distressing memories and experiences. CBT tends to be recommended for conditions such as anxiety, OCD and depression, while EMDR is particularly effective where difficulties are rooted in past trauma. Following an assessment, we will recommend whichever approach is best suited to your child's individual needs.
Do you work with children with autism or ADHD?
Yes. CBT can be adapted effectively for young people with autism or ADHD. Sessions are tailored to the individual needs of the young person, taking into account any additional needs or differences in communication and processing style. If you have any questions about whether therapy is appropriate for your child, please do get in touch and we will be happy to discuss this.
What ages do you treat?
We work with children and young people up to the age of 26.
How much do sessions cost?
CBT sessions last 60 minutes and cost £80. A free initial consultation is available so we can discuss your child's needs before committing to a programme of therapy.
If you would like to find out more about whether CBT is right for your child, we offer a free initial consultation. Get in touch today and we will be happy to answer any questions you have.
