Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) in Varsity Lakes, Gold Coast QLD

By David Hennessy, Clinical Psychologist, Varsity Lakes, Gold Coast, QLD

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is one of the most extensively researched and widely used psychological therapies in the world. CBT is based on the understanding that thoughts, emotions, physical sensations, and behaviours are interconnected. By identifying and changing unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviours, many people experience improvements in emotional wellbeing, coping, and day-to-day functioning [1–4].

CBT has been shown to be effective for a wide range of psychological difficulties, including anxiety disorders, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), insomnia, chronic pain, and adjustment difficulties [1–6].

At Hennessy Clinical Psychology, CBT is adapted to the individual rather than applied as a rigid set of techniques. Therapy aims to help people develop practical skills that can be used long after therapy has ended.

How CBT Works

CBT is based on the idea that situations themselves do not automatically determine how we feel. Rather, our interpretation of events often influences emotional and behavioural responses.

For example:

• A person may interpret a mistake as evidence that they are failing.

• This may lead to anxiety, disappointment, or self-criticism.

• These emotions may result in avoidance, withdrawal, or procrastination.

• Avoidance can reinforce the original belief and maintain the cycle.

CBT helps people identify these patterns and develop alternative ways of thinking and responding.

What CBT May Help With

CBT may be useful for:

• Anxiety

• Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

• Social Anxiety

• Panic Disorder

• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

• Depression

• Stress and Adjustment Difficulties

• PTSD

• Health Anxiety

• Phobias

• Chronic Pain

• Sleep Difficulties and Insomnia

• Low Self-Esteem

• Perfectionism

• Emotional Regulation Difficulties

What Happens During CBT?

CBT is typically collaborative and goal-focused.

Therapy often involves:

• Understanding current difficulties

• Identifying patterns of thoughts, emotions, behaviours, and physical responses

• Learning practical coping skills

• Developing more balanced thinking patterns

• Gradually facing avoided situations when appropriate

• Building confidence through behavioural change

• Practising skills between sessions

Many people find that CBT provides a practical framework for understanding difficulties and creating meaningful change.

Is CBT Effective?

CBT is considered a first-line psychological treatment for many mental health conditions and is recommended by numerous national and international clinical guidelines [2,4,5].

Research has demonstrated effectiveness across a broad range of presentations, particularly anxiety disorders and depression [1–5].

While CBT is not a quick fix, many people find that learning CBT skills provides benefits that continue beyond the therapy process.

CBT at Hennessy Clinical Psychology

David Hennessy is a Clinical Psychologist working with adolescents and adults.

CBT is often integrated with other evidence-based approaches including:

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

• Mindfulness-Based Approaches

• Behavioural Activation

• Exposure-Based Therapies

• Compassion-Focused Strategies

• Trauma-Informed Therapy

Treatment is tailored to the individual’s goals, circumstances, strengths, and challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is CBT suitable for everyone?

CBT can be helpful for many people, but no single therapy approach suits everyone. Psychological treatment is generally tailored to the person’s needs and goals.

How long does CBT take?

The length of therapy varies depending on the nature and complexity of the difficulties being addressed. Some people benefit from relatively brief interventions, while others require longer-term support.

Do I need a diagnosis to access CBT?

No. Many people seek therapy because they are experiencing distress, feeling stuck, or wanting practical strategies to improve wellbeing.

References

[1] Beck, A. T. (1979). Cognitive Therapy and the Emotional Disorders. New York: Penguin.

[2] Hofmann, S. G., Asnaani, A., Vonk, I. J. J., Sawyer, A. T., & Fang, A. (2012). The efficacy of cognitive behavioural therapy: A review of meta-analyses. Cognitive Therapy and Research, 36(5), 427–440. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10608-012-9476-1

[3] Cuijpers, P., Karyotaki, E., Reijnders, M., & Purgato, M. (2023). Cognitive behaviour therapy for depression and anxiety disorders. World Psychiatry, 22(1), 105–115. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/wps.21069

[4] National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Psychological therapies guidance and recommendations. https://www.nice.org.uk

[5] Australian Psychological Society. Evidence-based psychological interventions. https://psychology.org.au

[6] Butler, A. C., Chapman, J. E., Forman, E. M., & Beck, A. T. (2006). The empirical status of cognitive-behavioural therapy. Clinical Psychology Review, 26(1), 17–31. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2005.07.003