Living with a mental health problem can sometimes make it hard to know where to turn for support. If you are not comfortable talking to your friends and family, I may be able to help. Cognitive behavioural therapy is a talking therapy. The aim is to help you manage problems by enabling you to recognise how your thoughts can affect your feelings and behaviour. CBT combines a cognitive approach (examining your thoughts) with a behavioural approach (the things you do). It aims to break overwhelming problems down into smaller parts, making them easier to manage.

Cognitive behavioural therapy has become one of the most popular forms of talk therapy. It is recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) for common mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety. During the treatment, I will work with you and help you focus on the "here and now". I will help you recognise how past events may have shaped your thinking and behaviours.

Cognitive behavioural therapy looks at how both cognitive and behavioural processes affect one another and aims to help you get out of negative cycles. The emphasis on behavioural or cognitive approaches will depend on the issue you are facing. For example, if you are suffering from anxiety or depression, the focus may be on the cognitive approach. If you have a condition that causes unhelpful behaviour (such as obsessive compulsive disorder), the focus is likely to be the behavioural approach.

This type of therapy is particularly helpful for those with specific issues. This is because it is very practical (rather than insight-based) and looks at solving the problem. Some of the people that may benefit from cognitive behavioural therapy include:

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• Those who suffer from depression and/or anxiety.

• People who are suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

• Those who have an eating disorder.

• Those who have an addiction.

• People who are experiencing sleeping problems, such as insomnia.

• People who have a fear or phobia.

• Those who suffer from obsessive compulsive disorder.

• Those who want to change their behaviour.

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In some cases, CBT is used for those with long-standing health problems, such as chronic pain or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). While the therapy cannot cure such physical ailments, it can help people cope emotionally with the symptoms and lower stress levels.

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I would normally recommend a course of six sessions to start but sometimes more may be required. each session lasts approximately one hour and you will have tasks to complete between sessions. My charge is £40 per session or £200 for six sessions when booked and paid for in advance.

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Come along for a free introductory session to find out how CBT can help you.

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