A plain-language guide to Cognitive Behavioural Therapy — what it is, how it works, and what to expect from it.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a structured, goal-oriented form of talking therapy that helps people identify the links between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours, and change unhelpful patterns among them. It is one of the most extensively researched and widely practised psychotherapy approaches.
CBT rests on the idea that the way we interpret a situation shapes how we feel and act. A therapist helps you notice automatic thoughts as they arise, examine the evidence for and against them, and develop more balanced ways of thinking, alongside practical behavioural change. It is present-focused and skills-based, aiming to equip you with tools you can use independently.
CBT is used for anxiety, depression and low mood, addiction and substance use — identifying triggers and managing cravings — and trauma-related difficulties, often within a broader, trauma-informed treatment plan. It is often most effective when tailored to the individual and combined with other forms of support.
A typical session involves setting an agenda, reviewing progress since the last session, working on a specific thought pattern or behaviour, and agreeing practical exercises to practise between sessions. This between-session practice is central to how CBT works.
At Holina Executive, CBT is always delivered one-to-one, never in a group setting, tailored to the individual’s specific difficulties, goals, and circumstances. It rarely stands alone — it forms part of an integrated, individually designed treatment plan.
Is CBT only about thinking positively?
No. CBT is about developing more accurate and balanced ways of thinking, paired with practical changes in behaviour — not forced optimism.
Does CBT work for addiction and trauma?
CBT is widely used as part of treatment for both, most effective when delivered as part of a wider, individually tailored plan.
If you would like to understand how CBT might form part of a personalised treatment plan, read more about our individual psychotherapy programme.
Last updated: July 2026. This article is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.