What Is CBT? How Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Helps with Anxiety, Depression & More
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is one of the most widely used and researched psychological therapies for anxiety, depression, and low mood but what actually happens in CBT sessions, and how does it work?In this episode of The Aspiring Psychologist Podcast, Clinical Psychologist Dr Marianne Trent is joined by CBT therapist Sahana to explore what CBT is, how CBT works, and what clients can expect. From breaking unhelpful thought cycles to graded behavioural experiments, you’ll discover how CBT helps people with anxiety, depression, social anxiety, and more.Whether you’re thinking about accessing CBT therapy, supporting someone else, or training as a psychologist, this conversation gives you a clear, compassionate understanding of CBT and why it’s such a practical and empowering approach.Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction: What CBT is and why it matters01:08 – First steps: nerves, myths, and accessibility in CBT02:31 – Making therapy accessible: online sessions, adaptations, and barriers04:39 – Thoughts, feelings, behaviours: the CBT cycle explained07:45 – When everyday worries become overwhelming09:58 – What keeps problems going? The role of formulation11:32 – Homework vs “between-session practice” — what clients can expect13:22 – Graded exposure and behavioural experiments16:13 – Case example: how CBT can help after relationship breakdown20:01 – Problem lists, goals, and building awareness23:06 – Balancing validation with change in CBT25:17 – How many CBT sessions do people usually get?27:56 – Collaboration, feedback, and challenging the ‘therapist as expert’ myth30:56 – The role of safety-seeking behaviours vs adaptive coping36:20 – Who CBT might not be the best fit for38:47 – Other approaches and the stages of change39:21 – Closing thoughts and next episode preview: training as a CBT therapistLinks:🫶 To support me by donating to help cover my costs for the free resources I provide click here: https://the-aspiring-psychologist.captivate.fm/support📚 To check out The Clinical Psychologist Collective Book: https://amzn.to/3jOplx0 📖 To check out The Aspiring Psychologist Collective Book: https://amzn.to/3CP2N97 💡 To check out or join the aspiring psychologist membership for just £30 per month head to: https://www.goodthinkingpsychology.co.uk/membership-interested🖥️ Check out my brand new short courses for aspiring psychologists and mental health professionals here: https://www.goodthinkingpsychology.co.uk/short-courses✍️ Get your Supervision Shaping Tool now: https://www.goodthinkingpsychology.co.uk/supervision📱Connect socially with Marianne and check out ways to work with her, including the Aspiring Psychologist Book, Clinical Psychologist book and The Aspiring Psychologist Membership on her Link tree: https://linktr.ee/drmariannetrent💬 To join my free Facebook group and discuss your thoughts on this episode and more:
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