WORK WITH DR. SAMANTHA TORRES

What is CBT?

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a collaborative, structured present-focused psychotherapy that helps you manage your problems by changing the way you think and behave.

 

CBT is based on the theory that thoughts, feelings, and behaviours are interlinked and maintains the problem in a vicious cycle. CBT aims to produce change in one or more of these areas to reduce psychological distress.

 

CBT is underpinned by traditional cognitive and behavioural therapies and includes approaches that blend traditional CBT principles and ‘third wave CBT’ psychological therapies.

CBT is an evolving psychotherapy based on scientific research and clinical evidence which is why it continues to be widely researched, recommended and endorsed worldwide. Reinforcing why it is a highly sought form of therapy to treat a variety of common and specific problems.

What can CBT help with?

CBT works for different people and problems but everyone and how they experience their problems are individual. CBT is commonly used to treat anxiety or worry and depression or low mood but also proven to be beneficial for other mental health problems. CBT is also widely used for physical health problems so clients can learn how to cope with their symptoms better.

You might be formally diagnosed with a mental health problem and take prescribed medication as part of your treatment plan. You might just have a problem and not a disorder. Whatever your individual circumstances, CBT can help you.

CBT is widely researched and has been shown to be effective when used alone or in combination with medication for many different problems. Essentially, if you have a problem or life stresses, CBT can help you find new ways to cope. Some problems are listed below and the list is non-exhaustive. If you are still not sure, please get in touch.

Some common problems or disorders that CBT can help with:

  • Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

    Health Anxiety Disorder (HAD)/Illness Anxiety

    Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

    Panic Disorder

    Phobias including Agoraphobia or Claustrophobia

    Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

    Social Anxiety Disorder/Social Phobia (SAD)

  • Depression

    Bipolar Disorder

    Seasonal Affective Disorder

  • Binge Eating

    Emotional Eating

    Weight Management

  • Addictions

    Anger

    Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)

    Chronic Loneliness

    Complicated Grief

    Hoarding

    Interpersonal Problems

    Long Covid

    Long Term Conditions/Physical Problems

    Low Self-Esteem & Confidence Issues

    Menopause

    Perfectionism

    Perinatal Mental Health Problems

    Psychosis

    Rumination/Procrastination

    Sleep Problems

    Stress

    Substance Misuse

    Suicide Bereavement

 

What does CBT look like?

CBT therapy sessions includes assessment, goal identification, treatment and prevention. Therapy sessions are flexible and individual but typically weekly for 50 – 60 minutes and could last up to 12-18 sessions or less. The therapeutic space is a private and confidential environment.

Individual sessions are structured and focused so clients can learn about the underlying cognitions and behaviours that maintains their problem. Clients learn strategies or techniques to help create change. This is done through a collaborative process of guided discovery as both therapist and client works towards meeting therapy goals.

CBT involves the use of a wide variety of techniques to help people change their cognitions and behaviour.

CBT therapists use different interventions and approaches in therapy. This enables clients to learn effective techniques to reduce their psychological distress and improve their quality of life. In between therapy sessions clients practice these techniques to create positive change.

Techniques will draw from traditional CBT and ‘third wave CBT’ psychological therapies such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Emotion Regulation Therapy (ERT) and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) to name a few. Clients use these practical techniques in everyday life even after therapy has ended as they become their own therapists.

A word from past clients.

My therapist Samantha was a fabulous resource to have access to. Highly recommended. Very supportive. - PH

It was one of best treatments I have ever had. I thoroughly recommend CBT to anyone. Whether they need it or not. - HW

Very effective and noticed a big difference in my anxiety and mental health by the end of my treatments. - GV

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