What Is Cognitive - Behavioural Therapy? (CBT)

In this 'the age of anxiety' many people seek professional help for a broad spectrum of occupational, family or emotional problems.

Depression and anxiety are the most common of psychological problems, with around 60-70% of adults experiencing symptoms of depression, and as many as 27% of people experiencing an anxiety state at some time during their life.

CBT is an educational approach based on scientific principles which help the client to understand their problems, and how these affect their thoughts, feelings and behaviours. The focus of the therapy is to enable clients to generate solutions to problems based on techniques learned in therapy, which are more effective than their present coping strategies.

CBT has been shown to be at least as effective as anti-depressant medication, but superior to medication in the prevention of relapse, and recurrence of illness. Sessions last fifty minutes for one to one counselling and ninety minutes for couples. Sessions are either weekly or bi-weekly and take place over an average of 12 - 20 sessions, depending on the nature and severity of the problem.

Group Sessions

We also run courses for groups of 6 - 12 clients. Group sessions last ninety minutes.

How can Cognitive - Behavioural Therapy help you?

CBT can help you learn to:

• Change negative thinking patterns which keep you from fulfilling your life goals.
• Become more in control of your life rather than feeling powerless to change.
• Develop better self-esteem and self-confidence.
• Raise self-awareness, and gain a clearer sense of direction.
• Learn state of the art, social, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.

What sort of problems can CBT help with?

The research on Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy has been extensive and is an effective form of counselling, particularly in the area of Depression.

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure
It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves:
'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?'
Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God.
Your playing small doesn't serve the world.
There is nothing enlightening about shrinking so that other people around you won't feel insecure.
We are all meant to shine as children do.
We are born to manifest the glory of God that is within us.
It is not just in some of us; it is in everyone.
And as we let our light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.
As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically releases others.

Taken from Nelson Mandela's inaugural speech

Anita Jaffe, the Director of The Centre for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, is an American who has been in private practice in Britain for over twenty years. She is the former director of The Centre For Cognitive Behavioural Therapy in Cardiff, South Wales.

Her academic background includes lecturing at the University of Wales on the masters in counselling, and three years post - graduate research in motivation under Dr Michael Apter in Reversal Theory leading to the development of a therapeutic technique.

Anita Jaffe - Director of The Centre For
Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy

Her experience of using CBT across a broad spectrum of psychological / emotional and stress related problems has given her the experience needed to deal effectively with clients with accurate differential diagnosis, the correct treatment rationale, and an individualised programme which both provides effective treatment for presenting problems and mitigates against relapse.

As a practicing Christian for twenty years, and former Zen Buddhist she also receives innumerable referrals from clients for whom the spiritual dimension has become a priority.

Anita Jaffe's CV