FAQs

This means sessions are weekly to start with, followed by bi-weekly (after approx. 3^rd or 4th session).   Most sessions run to 6-8, while further sessions are required for severe anxiety disorders like OCD or PTSD.

Time-limited refers to momentum!  It is important to embrace the changes of CBT and so committing to regular sessions and some home-based practice work in between times allows change to happen sooner rather than later.  This is important for confidence building and ongoing commitment and maintaining gains.  The pacing and timing is set in line with your own needs and ability.

NICE guidelines state that a combination of medication and CBT fares better than either on their own. The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) informs CBT practice to ensure client welfare is central in therapy.

Not all clients opt for medication, and this is often fine as many clients present for therapy with or without a history or need for taking supportive medication.  However, a CBT therapist may over the course of therapy advise that a client seek guidance from their GP around taking medication should this be deemed necessary for accessing CBT therapy more successfully.

Medication functions rather like a pair of crutches functions with a recently broken leg.  The crutches themselves do not fix the broken leg, however they support movement, healing and resilience and ultimately a healthy recovery.  Clients have the initial say here on whether or not they wish to avail of supportive medication to help them through the demands of therapy and achieve psychological change (psycho-physio!).  However, GP advice should be considered if anxiety or depression is severe, and CBT therapists are obliged to refer clients for GP appraisal if they feel that client progress is being hampered due to high levels of anxiety or depression.

It not in the client’s interest to fail to make progress in therapy unnecessarily. A CBT therapist has the right therefore to cease therapy sessions if they feel the client cannot progress further with CBT therapy without some medication in place.  NICE guidelines need to be adhered to for all concerned.