Avon CBT : CBT in Bristol and North Somerset; Online CBT

Calm and compassionate counselling in times of challenge, change or crisis.

Two women discussing CBT

What is CBT?

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a structured, goal-focused psychological therapy that helps you understand and change patterns of thinking and behaviour that are causing distress or holding you back.

The basic concept of CBT is that our thoughts, emotions and feelings, along with the way we behave, are all connected together. Any changes in our thoughts, emotions and behaviour impact our whole life, either positively or negatively.

Client Testimonial:

“CBT with Simon helped me to learn and utilise strategies to manage my reactions to various situations and "triggers". I also learnt to recognise my disordered and negative thinking patterns, using CBT to change these destructive and incorrect thought processes into more positive ones.” CN (former client)

Woman Thinking - CBT Bristol, Bristol CBT

What can CBT help with?

CBT helps us to look objectively at the way we think and behave and supports us to change any negative thinking or behavioural patterns, where appropriate.

Many people find these changes bring them a new experience of emotional freedom from the problems that have been bothering them.

CBT is recommended by the NHS for a wide range of emotional and psychological difficulties, including:

  • Anxiety

  • Panic Attacks

  • Depression

  • Low Self-Esteem

  • Health Anxiety

  • PTSD and Trauma

  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

  • Stress

  • Sleep problems (insomnia)

In the UK, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) recommends CBT as an effective form of therapy for use within the NHS and by therapists trained in its safe delivery. Find out more by clicking the link, which will direct you to a NICE guidance page illustrating treatment pathways for common mental health conditions. I am highly experienced at adapting CBT to make it fully accessible for those with ADHD or autism.

Link to NICE
Man exploring problems in counselling - CBT Bristol

How does CBT work?


CBT focuses on the link between our thoughts, feelings, and actions. In therapy, we work together to:

  • Identify unhelpful thought patterns

  • Understand how these thoughts affect feelings and influence behaviour

  • Develop new, more balanced ways of thinking

  • Learn practical coping skills to manage our symptoms

Does CBT work for everyone?

The honest answer is no!

We are all individuals and what works well for some, does not work for everyone. Whilst the principles of CBT can be applied to many issues, it is unrealistic to expect one therapeutic approach to feel comfortable for all.

Whilst specialising in CBT, my initial counselling training was in Person-Centred Counselling.

I am able to draw on these different counselling approaches, to provide the right therapeutic approach for each individual, rather than assuming that one specific form of therapy will work for everyone.

Contact me if you would like to discuss this in more detail.

Contact
Photo of old fashioned compass, demonstrating the varied counselling approaches at Avon CBT in Bristol

My Approach to CBT

I offer CBT in a collaborative and supportive way, with sessions always adapted to your pace and goals.

I draw on my significant experience of working with many types of people, gained through my time in the NHS, armed forces, schools and the police to try and give you the best possible experience of Cognitive Behavioural therapy.

For some people, a short series of sessions that are focussed on a specific problem will be most helpful. Others, may prefer to engage in a deeper level of work, which will require a longer period of therapy. These decisions will always be yours to make and I will only ever recommend therapeutic options to you that I would suggest to a close member of my own family if they were in similar circumstances.

Flexible and Accessible

I offer a flexible booking process, allowing you to schedule appointments around your availability and individual circumstances.

Therapy can be provided in the following ways:

  • In-person CBT sessions in Bristol (Abbots Leigh - BS8)

  • Online CBT sessions for clients across the UK and abroad

  • Walk and Talk therapy sessions in North Somerset

Get Started

If you’d like to explore CBT further, I offer a free of charge 15 minute phone consultation. During this call, we can talk through what you’re looking for and how CBT might help you. To book this, click on the following link: Contact me here