Here therapist and client meet regularly. Sessions last an hour and are usually weekly, but sometimes fortnightly. As a rule of thumb it is not wise to spread them out further.

Treatment continues between sessions with homework assignments both to monitor and challenge specific thinking patterns and to implement behavioural change. The cognitive methods in therapy include:

• Detailed explanation and discussion of the cognitive model
• Keeping a diary monitoring situations, thoughts and feelings to develop awareness about these
• Identifying connections between thoughts, affect, and behaviour
• Examining evidence "for" and "against" the thoughts
• Coaching clients in challenging negative thoughts by questioning and rationalising techniques
• Learning to identify dysfunctional beliefs underpinning self-defeating patterns
• Cognitive rehearsal of coping with difficult situations or use of imagery

The behavioural elements in therapy may include:

• Setting up behavioural experiments to test irrational thoughts against reality
• Graded exposure to feared situations in reality or the imagination
• Target setting and activity scheduling
• A programme of reinforcement and reward
• Teaching specific skills such as relaxation and communication
• Role playing, behavioural rehearsal, therapist modelling coping behaviour

Cost

For information about cost and how to book an appointment, please see our Fees & Pricing page.