Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is one of the most widely used and researched forms of psychotherapy. It is based on the idea that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviours are interconnected. Sometimes, patterns of thinking can become unhelpful or distorted, leading to emotional distress and behaviours that keep us feeling “stuck.”
CBT helps you identify these patterns, understand how they affect you, and learn new ways of thinking and responding. It is an active, practical, and collaborative approach, meaning we work together to build tools and strategies you can use both inside and outside of therapy.
Because CBT is so versatile, it has been adapted into specialised forms to target specific difficulties. Below you’ll find an overview of the main CBT approaches I use in my practice.
Specialised Forms of CBT
CBT-E (Enhanced Cognitive Behavioural Therapy)
CBT-E is designed specifically for eating disorders, including anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder. It focuses on the factors that maintain the disorder, such as:
- Preoccupation with weight and shape
- Restrictive eating or binge-purge cycles
- Low self-esteem
Goals of CBT-E:
- Break rigid patterns around food and eating
- Develop flexible, balanced eating habits
- Challenge unhelpful beliefs about body image
- Build confidence in healthier coping strategies
CBT-E is highly effective for adolescents and adults with moderate to complex eating disorder symptoms.
CBT-T (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy – Ten Sessions)
CBT-T is a shorter, structured form of CBT for eating disorders, typically delivered over 10 sessions. It is suitable for individuals with less complex presentations or those seeking a time-limited intervention.
CBT-T focuses on:
- Identifying unhelpful eating patterns quickly
- Practical strategies for change
- Reducing anxiety around food and body image
CBT-T can also serve as a stepping stone into longer-term therapy if needed.
CBT-AR (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for ARFID)
CBT-AR is a specialised CBT for Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID). ARFID involves extreme food avoidance or restriction, not related to body image, leading to nutritional deficiencies or interference with daily life.
CBT-AR helps clients to:
- Gradually expand the variety of foods they can eat
- Reduce anxiety and fear around food textures, smells, or appearances
- Address avoidance patterns and sensory sensitivities
- Improve nutritional intake and daily functioning
- Build coping strategies and confidence around eating
Techniques in CBT-AR include:
- Exposure exercises to safely introduce new foods
- Cognitive restructuring to challenge unhelpful beliefs about eating
- Skills training for managing anxiety around food
CBT-AR is effective for both children and adults living with ARFID.
I-CBT (Inference-Based CBT)
I-CBT is designed for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). While traditional CBT challenges the content of intrusive thoughts, I-CBT focuses on how doubt and “what if?” thinking take hold.
I-CBT helps clients to:
- Recognise when doubt is based on imagination rather than reality
- Break the OCD cycle of compulsions and reassurance-seeking
- Strengthen trust in real-world reasoning
- Reduce mental rituals and anxiety
TF-CBT (Trauma-Focused CBT)
TF-CBT is a structured therapy for PTSD and complex PTSD (cPTSD). It combines CBT techniques with trauma processing to help clients regain safety and control.
TF-CBT helps clients to:
- Manage flashbacks, nightmares, and hypervigilance
- Reduce avoidance of trauma reminders
- Challenge unhelpful trauma-related beliefs
- Build emotional regulation and resilience
TF-CBT is evidence-based and effective for both adults and young people.
Choosing the Right Approach
The most suitable type of CBT depends on your individual needs:
- Eating disorders: CBT-E, CBT-T, CBT-AR
- OCD: I-CBT
- Trauma / PTSD: TF-CBT
Together, we will discuss your difficulties and goals to decide the most effective pathway for your recovery.
A Compassionate, Collaborative Process
Whatever form of CBT we use, therapy is a collaborative process. You bring your lived experience, and I bring therapeutic expertise. Together, we create a safe space to explore thoughts, feelings, and behaviours, and to develop practical skills for lasting change.
If you are ready to explore CBT or one of its specialised forms, please reach out. Whether you are struggling with eating disorders, OCD, or trauma, there is a tailored approach that can support your journey toward recovery.