Wincanton Psychotherapy

About Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

What is CBT?

CBT is an evidence-based talking therapy, offering relief and a practical way forward for individuals struggling with common mental health problems including, depression and anxiety, through to more complex and enduring problems including, personality disorders.

CBT is widely used in the NHS, with great results achieved after a relatively short period of treatment (an average of 5 to 10 one-hour sessions, depending on the nature and severity of the problem).

CBT can help people with a wide range of psychological conditions, ranging from severe mental illness to mild feelings and thoughts that interfere with day to day living. It is called a talking therapy because the client and therapist spend most of the time in treatment talking. In therapy, clients may wish to carry out specific tasks between sessions for their further benefit.

Who can benefit from CBT?

In the NHS, CBT is mainly used for psychological conditions like the ones in the following list. However, you do not necessarily need a diagnosis by a doctor in order to benefit from this treatment.

post-traumatic stress disorder
obsessive-compulsive disorder
depression
anxiety and phobias
eating disorders

CBT is also used in the management of other conditions that may have a psychological component, including:

chronic pain
chronic fatigue/ME and fibromyalgia

CBT can help you to practically overcome interpersonal difficulties such as bullying or harassment in or out of the workplace. It can also be helpful for less severe conditions brought about by life events such as illness, loss and bereavement.

Is CBT suitable for me?

CBT begins with an assessment by your therapist. If your therapist’s assessment is that you would not benefit from CBT treatment, then they will usually advise you about other forms of therapy that might be more appropriate for you.

If your therapist’s assessment is that you would benefit from CBT treatment, then you can expect positive benefits if you participate in a mutually agreed treatment plan.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

Referrals

You should normally only request cognitive behavioural therapy if you can travel to the practice in Wincanton for treatment sessions.You can be referred for CBT therapy by a consultant or other specialist, or by your GP, or you can simply refer yourself. If you are being referred by another professional (a GP, consultant or another specialist), give the other professional Vicki Ritson’s e-mail address and telephone number. For contact details, please click here.

Treatment via Skype is also possible in some circumstances, for example, if it is not practical for you to travel to the practice. Telephone treatment is not always appropriate, however, depending on the kind of treatment you need, this can be agreed.

Paying for treatment

Vicki Ritson only provides private treatment. She does not currently provide any NHS treatment. Many people find that CBT is an affordable form of treatment even if they do not have private medical insurance or funding from an organization.If you have private medical insurance, then your insurance might cover the cost of your treatment or part of the cost. Contact your insurer before you are referred for treatment.

Some insurers have conditions that you must satisfy. For example, some insurers require you to be referred by a consultant. Your insurer usually gives you a case number or authorisation number for your CBT treatment.You might have other sources of funding for your treatment. For example, your employer or an NHS trust might agree to fund your treatment. In this case, ensure that you have a source of funding before you are referred for treatment. There might be conditions that you must satisfy.