Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a highly effective, evidence‑based approach recommended by NICE for a wide range of emotional and psychological difficulties. At Circle Psychology Partners, we offer CBT for adults, children and adolescents in East Dulwich, Peckham Rye and across South East London, as well as online. Our experienced CBT therapists, clinical psychologists and psychotherapists work collaboratively with you to understand patterns of thoughts, emotions and behaviours, and to develop practical strategies that support meaningful, lasting change.

What is CBT?

CBT is based on the understanding that our thoughts, feelings and behaviours are closely connected. When unhelpful patterns develop, they can maintain difficulties such as anxiety, low mood or stress. CBT helps you identify these patterns and learn new ways of responding, so you can feel more in control and better equipped to manage challenges.

CBT is structured, goal‑focused and tailored to the needs of adults, children and adolescents. It is typically a short‑term therapy, often lasting between 6–20 sessions depending on the nature of the difficulty.

What CBT Helps With

CBT can be helpful for adults, children and adolescents experiencing difficulties such as:

• anxiety and panic

• depression and low mood

• OCD

• health anxiety

• stress and burnout

• trauma‑related difficulties

• sleep difficulties

• phobias

• long‑term health conditions

• postnatal difficulties 

• school‑related anxiety

CBT is one of the most widely researched psychological therapies, with strong evidence supporting its effectiveness across age groups. Generally, CBT is the first line psychological treatment. Moreover, the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) recommends CBT for postnatal depression, anxiety, OCD, managing long-term illnesses and post-traumatic stress.

What to Expect in CBT Sessions

CBT sessions are active, collaborative and focused on helping you develop practical tools you can use in everyday life. Your therapist will work with you to:

• understand your goals

• identify unhelpful thought and behaviour patterns

• learn new coping strategies

• practise skills between sessions

• build confidence in managing challenges

• maintain progress after therapy ends

For children and adolescents, CBT may include age‑appropriate tools such as visual aids, worksheets, parent involvement, and practical exercises to support emotional regulation and resilience.

The aim is to help you become your own therapist — equipped with skills that continue to support you long after sessions finish.