about CBT

How it works - FAQs - Costs

CBT is problem orientated. It helps people relieve symptoms and resolve problems, acquire coping strategies and modify underlying cognitive structures to prevent relapse. Problems could include symptoms of anxiety, depression, behavioural problems like anorexia or bulimia, or interpersonal problems like social anxiety.

In CBT client and therapist collaborate to create a shared description of the problem and an understanding of what caused and maintains it. This can be outlined in a Case Formulation which is essentially a theory about the causes, triggers and maintaining influences of a person’s problems.



A wide range of therapeutic strategies and techniques are used in CBT. One of the core strategies is to identify and challenge a client’s negative thoughts and thus the validity or helpfulness of their cognitions.

Does CBT work?
Proponents of CBT claim that it is one of today’s most effective forms of psychotherapy and that outcome research demonstrates its effectiveness for a wide variety of psychological problems. CBT is used extensively in the NHS and it is an approved talking therapy under the NICE Guidelines (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) for depression and anxiety disorders.

Frequently Asked Questions about Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

What is “cognitive behavioral therapy” (CBT)?

Cognitive therapy is an active, structured form of psychotherapy that is designed to rapidly and effectively reduce and eliminate psychological symptoms. Cognitive is simply a fancy word that means thoughts. Cognitive behavior therapy, sometimes known as CBT, is a form of psychological treatment that focuses on the thoughts and behaviors that accompany psychological distress.

What makes CBT different than other types of psychotherapy?

There are many aspects of CBT that differentiate it from other forms of psychotherapy. First and foremost CBT is devoted to reducing and eliminating psychological symptoms and distress as quickly and completely as possible. In CBT there is more of a focus on helping your develop new thinking and behavioral skills that will enable you to feel better and stay better. The skill development component of CBT differentiates it from other psychotherapies. In fact, sessions can feel more like a class than therapy at times, as you learn new skills you can experiment with between sessions. Finally, CBT has been more extensively researched than any other form of psychotherapy. The research generally shows that CBT is the most effective form of psychological treatment for anxiety disorders, depression and a host of other psychological problems.

How does CBT work? Is there proof?

There is some evidence that suggests that patients that develop new ways of thinking get better from psychological difficulties. When patients develop skills that enable them to identify, evaluate and change their thoughts they are likely to get better. In fact, there is proof, in the form of research studies, that suggests that when patients develop these new thinking skills that they tend to get better and stay better, or have a lower chance of relapse. For a report published by the National Institute of Health, which reviews dozens of randomised control trials using CBT, click on this link.

How much will CBT cost?

A brief initial consultation is free of charge.

Individual therapy costs €50/hour. Psychotherapy may be covered by medical insurance - it is worth checking with your provider for the specific details.

The rate for couples therapy or family therapy is is slightly higher (€60) and tend to last a bit longer than individual sessions - to ensure that everyone has a chance to speak.

The hourly rate for group therapy sessions will depend on the size of the group - the estimate is €10/session in a group of 6-8 participants, and lasts 90 minutes.

CBT tends to be less expensive than other forms of therapy because of its time limited, solution based nature. Anxiety and phobias should take 6-8 sessions, depression 12-16 sessions on average. The number of session required depends largely on the nature and depth of the issue.

Please get in touch if the costs are a problem: there are discounts available for vulnerable clients, and clients on restricted incomes.