Cognitive behavioural therapy — often shortened to CBT or written as cognitive behavioral therapy — is one of the most widely used and extensively researched forms of psychological treatment. If you’re wondering about CBT therapy for the first time, here’s a straightforward guide to what it involves and who it tends to help.
What Is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy?
CBT is a structured, goal-focused therapy built around a simple but powerful idea: our thoughts, feelings, and behaviours are all connected. When we’re anxious or low, our thinking patterns often become more negative or distorted, which then shapes how we act, which in turn reinforces how we feel. CBT works by identifying these unhelpful thinking and behaviour patterns and gradually replacing them with more balanced, workable alternatives.
What Does CBT Treat?
Cognitive behavioural therapy has a strong evidence base across a wide range of presentations, including:
- Anxiety disorders, including generalised anxiety and social anxiety
- Depression and low mood
- Panic disorder
- Sleep difficulties
- Chronic pain and health-related distress
- Stress and burnout
What Happens in a CBT Session?
CBT is typically more structured than open-ended talk therapy. Sessions often start by reviewing progress since the last appointment, then focus on a specific goal — for example, challenging an unhelpful thought pattern, building a fear hierarchy for gradual exposure, or practising a new coping strategy. Your psychologist will usually set small, practical tasks to try between sessions, since much of CBT’s benefit comes from applying skills in everyday life, not just discussing them in the room.
CBT and Medicare
A Mental Health Treatment Plan from your GP can make CBT sessions eligible for a Medicare rebate. Your GP can discuss current session limits and whether a plan is appropriate for your situation.
This article is general information only and is not a substitute for individual psychological or medical advice. If you are struggling, please speak with your GP or contact our team at Centre for Effective Living to discuss your options.
