What is CBT and how does it work?

CBT, or Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, helps you identify unhelpful thoughts and behaviour patterns and replace them with more balanced, realistic ones. By understanding how thoughts influence feelings and actions, you learn practical ways to manage anxiety, low mood and everyday challenges more effectively.

How is CBT different from hypnotherapy?

CBT works mainly with conscious thoughts and behaviours, while hypnotherapy also engages the subconscious mind. When combined, they provide both practical strategies and deeper emotional change—helping you think clearly and feel calmer at the same time.

What can CBT help with?

CBT can support a wide range of issues, including anxiety, panic attacks, depression, stress, OCD, phobias, insomnia and low self-esteem. It’s an evidence-based approach that helps you build coping tools you can use long after sessions end.

What happens in a CBT session?

Sessions are collaborative and structured. We look at recent situations that triggered distress, explore the thoughts behind your reactions, and practise new ways of thinking or responding. You’ll often have simple techniques or reflections to try between sessions.

Can CBT be combined with hypnotherapy or NLP?

Yes. At AbsoluteU Clinical Hypnotherapy, CBT is often integrated with Hypnotherapy and NLP for deeper results. This blended approach helps you reframe thoughts consciously and reinforce them subconsciously, so change feels both practical and natural.

CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) in Horsham

Learn how to shift unhelpful thinking patterns, manage emotions more effectively, and build practical strategies for change with CBT at AbsoluteU Clinical Hypnotherapy in Horsham. Together, we explore how your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours connect, so you can understand what drives certain responses and how to change them.

CBT is a present focused, practical talking therapy. Rather than analysing the past, it helps you notice patterns that keep you stuck and replace them with more balanced, helpful ways of thinking and responding.

What is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, helps you identify unhelpful thoughts and behaviours, then replace them with realistic, balanced perspectives. As new patterns are practised, they begin to feel natural, supporting a calmer and more confident daily experience.

How Cognitive Behavioural Therapy works

Thoughts, emotions, and behaviours are linked. Anxious thinking can lead to avoidance, which reinforces the belief that you cannot cope. CBT teaches you to notice and challenge these cycles, so you can respond with clarity and confidence.

• Recognise unhelpful thinking patterns and how they shape feelings and actions
• Develop simple, practical strategies to stay calm and balanced
• Practise new responses until helpful thinking becomes more natural

Sessions are collaborative and down to earth. We focus on small, achievable steps that build resilience and momentum between appointments.

When CBT can help

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is widely supported for anxiety and depression, and can also help with stress, phobias, low self esteem, weight management and emotional eating, sleep problems and insomnia, pain management, habit or alcohol control, and childbirth preparation. It is also useful where physical symptoms are influenced by stress or anxiety.

CBT and hypnotherapy

At AbsoluteU, CBT is often combined with hypnotherapy. Hypnotherapy works with the subconscious to release unhelpful emotional patterns and create new pathways. CBT then reinforces those changes through conscious awareness and everyday strategies, helping new habits take root.

Evidence and Research

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy has a strong evidence base for reducing anxiety, depression, and stress related conditions. NICE recommends it as a first line treatment for common mental health problems, including depression in adults and generalised anxiety disorder. Peer reviewed findings in the Journal of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy report significant and sustained improvements up to twelve months after treatment, while analyses summarised by The Lancet Psychiatry indicate CBT can be as effective as medication for many with mild to moderate depression, with durable outcomes.

Building lasting change

Many people find it empowering to realise thoughts are not facts. As you practise noticing and reframing unhelpful thinking, your mind learns calmer, balanced responses. Over time, these patterns become automatic, supporting confidence and steadiness across daily life.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many CBT sessions will I need

It depends on your goals and situation. Many people notice useful changes within six to twelve sessions, while others continue longer to consolidate progress and build resilience.

Can CBT help with physical symptoms of anxiety

Yes. Because thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations are connected, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy can change how you interpret and respond to symptoms such as a racing heart or tight chest. As your response changes, the sensations usually reduce in intensity.

Is it suitable for children or teenagers

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy can be adapted for all ages. For young people it focuses on clear, practical skills for noticing thoughts, regulating emotions, and building confidence in everyday situations.

What happens during a CBT session

We review recent situations, map how thoughts influenced feelings and actions, then explore balanced perspectives and small steps to try between sessions. It is practical, conversational, and tailored to your goals.

Taking the first step

Sessions are available in person in Horsham or online for convenience. Nicole combines CBT, hypnotherapy, and NLP to create a personalised approach that supports steady, lasting change.

Book your free initial telephone consultation to discuss your goals and explore how CBT can help you move forward with confidence.