What Is Cbt: A Brief Guide To Starting For The First Time
Clinical Editorial
Poole Wimborne Minster, United Kingdom
❝If you're feeling burnt out, overwhelmed by anxiety, stressed or struggling with depression, you might have come across something called Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). But what exactly is it, and how can it help?❞
As a fully qualified and BABCP accredited CBT therapist offering individual CBT sessions online across the UK and in-person appointments in Dorset, I often get asked the same question:
“What is CBT, and how does it work?”
Therapy should be personal. Therapists listed on TherapyRoute are qualified, independent, and free to answer to you – no scripts, algorithms, or company policies.
Find Your TherapistHere’s a brief, friendly guide to help you understand the basics and get an idea if it might be for you.
What is CBT?
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a form of talking therapy which can help you to manage difficulties by learning to notice and change the way you think (cognitive) and your behaviours, reactions and responses (behavioural). CBT has a strong evidence base in research and works on the theory that your thoughts, emotions, and actions are all connected and can influence each other, leaving you feeling trapped in vicious cycles.
How Does CBT Work?
Rather than focusing solely on your past and events until now, CBT looks at the here and now. In sessions, you and your therapist will work together to:
- Identify unhelpful thoughts (like “I’m not good enough”)
- Challenge those beliefs and reframe them
- Develop practical strategies to cope with daily challenges
This collaborative approach helps you to build skills, confidence and resilience to become your own therapist over time.
What Can CBT Help With?
CBT is evidence-based and widely used in the NHS for difficulties such as:
- Anxiety and panic attacks
- Depression
- OCD
- PTSD
- Health anxiety
- Social anxiety
- Stress and burnout
- Sleep problems
It’s also effective for specific challenges which may result in low mood and anxiety, such as low self-esteem or coping with chronic illness.
CBT in Poole, Wimborne & Bournemouth, Dorset & Online
Whether you're looking for in-person sessions in Poole, Wimborne or Bournemouth or online CBT across the UK, therapy can be tailored to fit your schedule and needs.
I offer:
- One-to-one therapy in-person (Dorset-based clinic)
- Online CBT sessions via video conferencing or telephone
- Flexible options, including evening and weekend appointments
What to Expect From Your First Session
You will be welcomed into a supportive, confidential space, whether online or in-person. In your first session, we’ll:
- Talk through your current difficulties
- Set goals for what you’d like to achieve
- Begin to map out the links between your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours and what might be maintaining how you are feeling
Ready to Take the Next Step? Book online today.
Important: TherapyRoute does not provide medical advice. All content is for informational purposes and cannot replace consulting a healthcare professional. If you face an emergency, please contact a local emergency service. For immediate emotional support, consider contacting a local helpline.
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About The Author
“I have expensive experience in Anxiety and Depression treatment and as a CBT therapist offering one-to-one Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for adults, both online across the UK and face to face in Poole, Dorset. I provide a supportive, structured, and evidence-based approach to therapy, helping clients better understand their thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. I work with people experiencing anxiety, stress, depression, low mood, panic, overthinking, low self-esteem, and burnout. Many of my clients feel stuck in unhelpful patterns, overwhelmed by daily life, or disconnected from themselves. CBT offers practical tools to help manage these difficulties while also creating meaningful, long-term change. I offer online CBT therapy for clients across the UK, providing flexible and accessible support from the comfort of your own home. I also offer in-person CBT therapy in Poole, Dorset, for those who prefer face-to-face sessions. Whether you are seeking therapy for anxiety, depression, work-related stress, or personal growth, I provide professional, ethical, and confidential CBT therapy focused on helping you move forward with greater clarity and confidence.”
Rebecca Cox is a qualified CBT Psychotherapist, based in Branksome, Poole, United Kingdom. With a commitment to mental health, Rebecca provides services in , including Online Therapy, Psychotherapy, CBT and Free Consultation. Rebecca has expertise in .
