What CBT actually is
CBT stands for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. It is one of the most well known and widely used talking therapies, and it is built on a simple idea. The way you think affects the way you feel, and the way you feel affects what you do. When you are stuck, those three things often feed each other and keep you going round in circles. CBT helps you spot that pattern and gently change it.
It is a practical, structured kind of therapy. Rather than only talking about the past, you and your therapist look at what is happening for you right now, and you work on real tools you can use between sessions. People often find CBT helpful for anxiety, depression, panic, stress and low self-esteem. It can also sit alongside other approaches, because we blend proven models around you rather than forcing you into one method.
CBT also has a wider family. You might hear about REBT (Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy) or DBT (Dialectical Behaviour Therapy). These share the same roots and bring in extra tools, like learning to handle very strong emotions or sitting with difficult thoughts without being ruled by them. We use what fits you, and we explain it plainly as we go.
What CBT can help with
CBT is a good fit for a lot of everyday struggles. Here are some of the things people come to us with.
Anxiety and worry
When your mind races ahead to everything that could go wrong, CBT helps you catch those thoughts and respond to them differently.
Depression and low mood
We look at the patterns that keep you flat or stuck, and build small, doable steps back towards things that matter to you.
Panic attacks
Panic can be frightening and feel out of the blue. CBT helps you understand what is happening in your body and take the fear out of it.
Stress and feeling overwhelmed
When everything feels like too much, we help you make sense of it and find practical ways to take the pressure down.
Low self-esteem
If you are hard on yourself or hear a harsh inner voice, we work on the thinking behind it and on being kinder to yourself.
Habits that keep you stuck
From avoiding things to overthinking, CBT gives you tools to break the loops that hold you in place.
How CBT works with us
We start by understanding you
Before any tools or homework, we listen. We want to understand what brought you here, what a typical week looks like and where you feel stuck. Everything you share stays confidential and there is no judgement.
From there we agree together what you would like to be different. CBT works best when it is clear and shared, so you always know what we are working on and why.
We give you real tools to use
CBT is hands on. You might learn how to notice and question unhelpful thoughts, try small changes in what you do, or practise ways to calm your body when anxiety or panic builds. We keep it simple and practical, and we go at your pace.
Some people like a bit of homework between sessions, like a short thought diary. It is never about getting it right. It is about trying things out in your real life and seeing what helps.
In person in Devon or online anywhere
You can see us face to face at our place in Teignmouth, Devon, or work with us online by video or WhatsApp. Online CBT is just as structured and just as useful, and it means you can carry on wherever you are, even if you move or travel.
We work with people across Devon, Cornwall, Somerset, the wider South West, Bristol, Hampshire and the New Forest, as well as online worldwide. Where you live does not limit whether we can help.
CBT might be right for you if
Everyone is different, but CBT often suits people who recognise a few of these.
The same worries or harsh thoughts keep coming back and you would like a way out of them.
You would rather work on tools and small changes than only talk things through.
Having a clear focus and knowing what you are working on each session feels reassuring to you.
It is getting in the way of work, sleep, relationships or just enjoying things.
You want to focus on what is happening for you now, rather than digging deep into the past.
In person in Devon or online from anywhere, you would like therapy that works around your life.
Ready to try a different way of thinking?
Book a free 15-minute consultation, or send us a message on WhatsApp. We see people in person in Devon and online worldwide, and we are happy to answer any questions before you decide.
Common questions about CBT
If something is on your mind before getting in touch, here are the things people most often ask us.
What does CBT stand for?
CBT stands for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. It is a practical talking therapy that looks at how your thoughts, feelings and behaviour link together, and gives you tools to change the patterns that keep you stuck.
How long does CBT take?
It varies from person to person. CBT is often shorter and more focused than some other therapies, and many people start to feel some benefit within a few weeks. We agree a sensible plan together and check in as we go, with no pressure to commit to anything before you are ready.
Is CBT just thinking positive?
No. It is not about forcing yourself to be cheerful or ignoring real problems. CBT helps you notice unhelpful or unfair thoughts, look at them honestly, and find more balanced and realistic ways of seeing things. That is quite different from simply thinking positive.
What is the difference between CBT, REBT and DBT?
They are part of the same family. CBT is the broad approach. REBT (Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy) puts a strong focus on challenging rigid beliefs, and DBT (Dialectical Behaviour Therapy) adds tools for handling very intense emotions. We use whatever fits you and explain it in plain terms.
Can I have CBT online or does it have to be in person?
Both work well. You can see us in person at our practice in Teignmouth, Devon, or have CBT online by video or WhatsApp from anywhere in the world. Online sessions are just as structured and effective, so you can choose whatever suits you.
How do I get started?
We offer a free 15-minute consultation so you can ask questions and get a feel for us before you decide anything. You can book that call or send us a message on WhatsApp, and we will take it from there at your pace.
Still have a question? We are happy to talk it through, with no pressure either way.
Devon-rooted, available wherever you are
We see people in person from our base in Teignmouth, Devon, and online right across the UK and the world. You do not need to live nearby, many of our clients meet us entirely over video or WhatsApp, from wherever feels comfortable. Tap an area to learn more.