Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) in Tunbridge Wells
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) in Tunbridge Wells from HCPC-registered Clinical Psychologists. Evidence-based treatment for anxiety, depression, OCD, phobias and more.
Understanding How Thoughts, Feelings, and Behaviours Connect
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, widely known as CBT, is one of the most extensively researched psychological treatments available. It’s built on a straightforward but powerful idea: the way we think about situations influences how we feel and what we do. By understanding these patterns and where they come from, we can begin to change how we experience life.
At a glance
- Recommended by NICE for anxiety, depression, OCD, PTSD, insomnia, and other difficulties
- Typically 8-20 sessions depending on difficulty and severity
- Structured, practical approach with between-session practice
- Available online and in-person in Tunbridge Wells
How CBT works
CBT is built on the idea that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviours are all connected. By changing one, we can shift the others:
Understanding your patterns
Together with your psychologist, you'll explore the thinking patterns and core beliefs that developed over time, often from early experiences, and how they continue to shape the way you respond to situations now.
Understanding feelings
Exploring how those thoughts shape your emotional experience. When thinking patterns shift, emotions often shift too, sometimes in ways that surprise you.
Changing behaviours
Testing predictions through real-world experiments. Gradually facing avoided situations, building new responses, and discovering that things often go better than expected.
What CBT can help with
Generalised anxiety, social anxiety, health anxiety, and persistent worry that won't switch off. CBT helps you break the cycle of anxious thinking and avoidance.
Low mood, loss of motivation, and negative thinking patterns. CBT combined with behavioural activation helps you re-engage with life and challenge the thoughts that keep you stuck.
Intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviours. CBT with Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is the gold standard treatment, recommended by NICE guidelines.
Panic Attacks and Phobias
Panic attacks, panic disorder, and specific phobias. CBT helps you understand the panic cycle and gradually face feared situations with confidence.
Deeply held negative beliefs about yourself that affect confidence, relationships, and daily life. CBT helps identify and shift these core beliefs at their roots.
Stress and Burnout
Chronic stress, workplace burnout, perfectionism, insomnia, and chronic pain. CBT provides practical tools for breaking the patterns that keep you overwhelmed.
More than surface techniques
While CBT is practical and focused on the present, it can also address deeper patterns. Many people hold "core beliefs", fundamental assumptions about themselves, others, and the world, that developed early in life and continue to shape their experiences.
CBT can help identify and shift these deeper patterns when relevant. This is not just about learning coping strategies; it is about understanding why you think and respond the way you do, and building lasting change from the inside out.
What to expect from CBT
Free phone consultation
A brief, no-obligation call to understand what you're experiencing and answer any questions. We'll match you with the right psychologist for your needs.
Initial assessment
Your first session explores your difficulties in depth. Together, you'll build a shared understanding of what's keeping things going and agree on a clear treatment plan.
Building new patterns
Sessions are structured and collaborative. You'll explore the patterns keeping things going, test predictions through behavioural experiments, and practise new strategies between sessions.
Lasting change
As therapy progresses, you'll become your own therapist. We focus on relapse prevention so you leave with skills and confidence to maintain progress independently.
Ready to make a change?
CBT is one of the most effective psychological therapies available. If unhelpful thinking patterns are holding you back, our Clinical Psychologists can help you develop new ways of responding to life's challenges.
Get in touchFrequently asked questions
What is CBT and how does it work?
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based therapy that helps you identify and change unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviours. It works by exploring the connection between your thoughts, feelings, and actions, then developing more balanced ways of thinking and responding to challenges.
How many CBT sessions will I need?
CBT is typically relatively short-term, often between 8 and 20 sessions depending on the difficulty being addressed. Some people notice improvement within the first few sessions, while more complex issues may benefit from longer-term work. Your psychologist will discuss a recommended plan at your assessment.
What conditions does CBT treat?
CBT has strong evidence for treating anxiety disorders, depression, OCD, panic attacks, phobias, social anxiety, insomnia, low self-esteem, stress, burnout, perfectionism, and chronic pain. It is recommended by NICE guidelines for many of these conditions.
Do you offer CBT in Tunbridge Wells and online?
Yes, our HCPC-registered Clinical Psychologists offer CBT both in-person at our Tunbridge Wells practice and via secure online video sessions. Online CBT is equally effective for most conditions and offers greater flexibility.
Our CBT therapists
All of our CBT practitioners are HCPC-registered Clinical Psychologists. Several hold additional CBT accreditation with the BABCP.
Dr Nicola Meynen
Nicola is a BABCP-accredited CBT therapist with specialist expertise in anxiety, depression, stress, and perinatal mental health. She also draws on ACT, CFT, and Schema Therapy.
Dr Brett Hayes
Brett uses CBT alongside EMDR and ACT to support adults with anxiety, depression, trauma, OCD, and phobias. He has over 10 years of experience across NHS and private settings.
Dr Catherine Lankester
Catherine uses CBT, CFT, and ACT to work with anxiety, depression, OCD, low self-esteem, sleep difficulties, and complex trauma. She has experience across a range of NHS settings.
Dr Abbie Barnes
Abbie uses CBT, ACT, and CFT to support adults with anxiety, low mood, trauma, grief, and work-related stress. She has a decade of experience across NHS mental and physical health settings.
Dr Chris Scane
Chris draws on CBT, ACT, and psychodynamic approaches to work with anxiety, depression, trauma, OCD, and complex presentations including dissociation and psychosis.
Dr Maya Kuhl
Maya uses CBT, ACT, and systemic approaches to support adults and teenagers with anxiety, depression, OCD, loss, and relationship difficulties in Tunbridge Wells.