Life can be overwhelming at times. Managing difficult emotions, negative thoughts, or unhelpful behaviours on your own isn’t always easy — and that’s where Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) can make a real difference.
CBT is a structured, goal-oriented type of talk therapy that helps you understand how your thoughts, feelings, and actions influence each other. With guidance from a trained therapist, you’ll learn to recognise unhelpful patterns and replace them with healthier ways of thinking and behaving.
What Conditions Does CBT Therapy Treat?
CBT is a short-term, focused approach that helps you work through specific problems in your thoughts and behaviours. It’s widely used by therapists and psychologists to support people dealing with:
- Stress and anxiety
- Depression
- Phobias and fears
- Trauma and grief
- Sleep difficulties
But CBT isn’t just for diagnosed mental health conditions — it can also help with everyday challenges such as:
- Relationship or family issues
- Divorce or separation
- Work-related stress
- Grief and loss
- Adjusting to new life situations or medical conditions
What’s Involved in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy?
CBT is an evidence-based treatment built on collaboration and open conversation. Sessions take place in a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental environment, where you can talk honestly with a therapist who’s trained to help you explore and address what’s troubling you.
Therapy typically involves five to twenty sessions, depending on your needs. Progress takes time — and sometimes the process can feel challenging — but your therapist will work with you step by step to help you reach your goals.
Here’s what to expect:
- Understanding the issue
In the first few sessions, you’ll talk through what’s been difficult — symptoms, challenges, or patterns you’ve noticed. This helps you and your therapist set clear goals for therapy. - Exploring your thoughts and experiences
Your therapist may ask about past experiences, current worries, or specific behaviours. These conversations help uncover how your thoughts shape your emotional responses and actions. - Recognising unhelpful patterns
Together, you’ll identify beliefs or behaviours that may be contributing to your difficulties. You might even keep a brief journal between sessions to track your reactions in different situations. - Developing new skills
Your therapist will guide you in reframing negative thoughts and building new coping strategies. Over time, these skills become tools you can use independently — helping you handle future challenges more effectively.
Benefits of CBT Therapy
CBT is one of the most researched and effective forms of psychotherapy. It offers practical, hands-on strategies that lead to real-world change. Benefits may include:
- Increased self-awareness and insight
- Better emotional regulation
- Stronger coping mechanisms for stress and anxiety
- Improved problem-solving skills
- Greater confidence in daily life
Research consistently shows that CBT can empower people to take control of their mental health and build lasting resilience.
Is CBT Therapy Right for You?
CBT can support anyone navigating stress, anxiety, depression, or other emotional challenges. It’s flexible, evidence-based, and can be adapted to suit your unique needs and goals.
If you’re ready to explore how CBT could help you, reach out to one of our experienced therapists. All of our CBT therapists have completed a full professional counselling, psychotherapy or psychology training, which incorporates specific cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) training. Many have also completed more advanced post-qualification training in CBT. They are associates or accredited members of the main professional associations: the Irish Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (IACP), the Irish Association of Humanistic and Integrative Psychotherapy (IAHIP), or the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI).
Curious to see how CBT can help you personally? Call us at 01 556 3335 or book a session with one of our experienced therapists online.
Not sure where to start? Book a free 15-minute consultation, and we’ll guide you toward the right support for your mental well-being.
