Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
CBT counselling in Edinburgh and Dalkeith
We all face challenging situations, setbacks, trauma and loss. This is part of our lives. The way we process and react to life’s setbacks influences how easy or difficult it is for us to recover. Resilience is the capacity to recover from difficult life events. It’s the ability to withstand adversity and bounce back and grow despite life’s challenges.
CBT is an evidence-based approach that helps us explore the link between our thoughts, feelings and behaviours. Therapy sessions focus on helping you find effective ways of coping with your difficulties in the here and now, by becoming more aware of repetitive patterns of interpretation and behaviour, which can impact the view that you hold of yourself and others, the quality you experience in your interpersonal relationships (friendly, romantic, professional) and the feeling of satisfaction with your everyday life.
Sessions at times might focus on making connections about how past experiences still affect the here and now. In my practice, I draw upon concepts from different approaches depending on the issues discussed. I am currently on a course for Transactional Analysis (a type of psychotherapy) and I use concepts from this approach to explore how different parts of ourselves can experience and respond to situations. Together, we work towards identifying and challenging unhelpful patterns, reinforcing healthier ones, and building emotional resilience.
What can CBT help with?
CBT is one of the most researched forms of therapy. I use it to support adults with:
Anxiety and worry, including feeling constantly on edge or overwhelmed.
Low mood and depression, when things feel heavy and it’s hard to find motivation.
Low self-esteem and self-confidence, including feelings of not being good enough or not belonging.
Negative thinking patterns, such as self-criticism, overthinking and expecting the worst.
Stress and burnout from work or caring responsibilities.
Relationship difficulties with partners, family, friends or colleagues.
Life changes and loss, such as moving country, ending a relationship or bereavement.
If what you’re facing isn’t listed here, please get in touch. We can talk about whether CBT is the right fit for you.
How many sessions will I need?
Everyone is different. Some people find 6 to 8 sessions are enough to make a real difference, while others prefer longer-term support. Sessions last 60 minutes and usually take place weekly. We’ll agree your goals in the first session and review how things are going together, so you’re always part of the decision.
Face to face or online
I offer sessions in person at Edinburgh Office Business Centre, 22 Forth Street, Edinburgh and Mysa Therapy Rooms in Dalkeith, or online by video call. Online therapy can be just as effective and is easier to fit around work or family life.
I also offer therapy in Greek.