Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (commonly known as CBT) is based on the premise that we each have a unique way of interpreting and responding to the life events that we experience. Unfortunately our interpretations are liable to be inaccurate and even more unfortunate is the fact that we tend to believe our inaccurate interpretations. Put simply ówe are all experts at what I call wonky thinking and our wonky thinking upsets us. In this way we create uncomfortable emotions such as anger, hurt, guilt, sadness, shame and fear. When these emotions stack up we can end up experiencing entrenched states like chronic anxiety and depression.

CBT is a way of exploring wonky thinking and the wonky beliefs that underpin it. Once these are uncovered we begin to question them and try out new (less wonky) ways of thinking to create more positive emotions and responses to life events. As sessions proceed we also discuss new responses and behaviours that can be experimented with to support more realistic attitudes and encourage an overall ìfeel goodî instead of the usual ìfeel badî.