Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
CBT helps people identify and change unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviours. It is structured, goal-oriented, and strongly supported by research for anxiety, depression, and a range of emotional difficulties.
About this service
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) is a structured, goal-oriented, and strongly evidence-based approach. It helps people identify and change the unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviours that maintain emotional difficulties.
The core premise is that it is not events themselves, but our interpretation of them, that shapes how we feel and act. By learning to notice and reframe cognitive distortions — and by testing new behaviours through practical experiments — people can reduce distress and build more workable ways of responding.
CBT is collaborative and transparent. You and Franco work together to understand your patterns, set clear goals, and develop practical skills you can use between sessions and well beyond the end of therapy.
The approach
- Identifying and reframing cognitive distortions such as catastrophising, black-and-white thinking, and mind-reading
- Behavioural experiments to test and update unhelpful beliefs in real situations
- Graded exposure for anxiety, avoidance, and phobic responses
- Activity scheduling and behavioural activation for low mood and depression
- Practical coping and emotional regulation skills tailored to your day-to-day life
Benefits
- Excellent for present-focused symptom relief
- Strong research support for anxiety, depression, panic, and phobias
- Skills-based and practical — you leave with tools you can use independently
- Often combined with Schema Therapy for deeper, lasting change
Who it's for
- People experiencing acute anxiety, depression, panic, or phobic responses
- Those wanting a structured, present-focused, skills-based approach
- Individuals with clear present-day symptoms they want to address directly
- Anyone who wants practical tools they can apply between sessions
What to expect
- A clear, collaborative formulation of your difficulties and goals in the first sessions
- Structured sessions with an agenda, between-session tasks, and regular review
- Practical strategies you can apply immediately in daily life
- A time-limited course of therapy in many cases, with the option to deepen into Schema work
Questions about Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
How many sessions will I need?
CBT is often delivered as a shorter-term, structured course — typically 8 to 20 sessions depending on the concern. Some people use CBT for focused symptom relief and then move into Schema Therapy for deeper work; others find a shorter course meets their needs entirely.
Will I have homework between sessions?
CBT is most effective when the work continues between sessions. You and Franco will agree on manageable tasks — such as thought records or behavioural experiments — that fit your schedule and help the skills take root in everyday life.
Can CBT be combined with Schema Therapy?
Yes. CBT and Schema Therapy complement each other well. CBT provides practical tools for present-day symptoms, while Schema Therapy addresses the deeper patterns underneath. Franco will recommend the best combination for you.
Ready to explore cognitive behaviour therapy (cbt)?
A free 15-minute call is the simplest way to find out whether this approach fits your needs. Every intake is personally triaged by Franco.
Other services
Explore the other therapeutic services Franco offers.
Schema Therapy
Schema Therapy explains how early experiences shape core beliefs, emotional responses, coping mechanisms, and relationships — and how therapy helps people recognise and change these lifelong patterns.
Learn moreEMDR Trauma Therapy
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an important approach to trauma treatment. It helps people process distressing experiences and traumatic memories that continue to affect emotional wellbeing and daily functioning.
Learn moreIndividual Therapy
Individual therapy provides a confidential, reflective space to address anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, relationship problems, and longstanding behavioural patterns — working towards meaningful change, not simply symptom management.
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