Professional CBT Therapy in Bristol
You’re looking for real support with anxiety, depression, and worry that interfere with your life. I’m an experienced CBT therapist in Bristol, offering cognitive behavioural therapy tailored to what you need. Whether you struggle with panic attacks, social anxiety, or chronic stress, my CBT counselling in Bristol provides practical strategies you can use immediately. Through assessment and treatment sessions, your CBT therapy in Bristol starts working toward genuine change. Contact me today, your path to feeling better begins here.
How CBT Therapy Helps You
Manage anxiety and worry
Overcome depression and mood problems
Address specific fears and phobias
Improve sleep and daily functioning
How CBT Therapy Works For Your Mental Wellbeing
You identify thought patterns
You challenge unhelpful beliefs
You develop practical coping skills
You create lasting change
What Is CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy)?
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy in Bristol is a practical approach that tackles how your thoughts, feelings, and actions connect. When you work with me, you recognise patterns that fuel depression, anxiety, and chronic worry. Rather than dwelling on past events, I focus on what you can change now through assessment and treatment sessions.
CBT operates on a simple principle: when you shift your thinking, your emotions follow naturally. Whether you struggle with panic attacks, OCD, or health anxiety, this evidence-based method delivers real results. I equip you with practical tools, relaxation and meditation techniques that work in your daily life. This isn’t just talk therapy; it’s action-focused progress you control and measure. You move forward with concrete strategies that stick.
How CBT Counselling Makes a Change
- You identify thoughts that hold you back – anxiety, depression, and worry lose their grip when you understand what drives them.
- You learn practical coping strategies – relaxation and meditation techniques you use immediately in real situations.
- You build confidence and control – through assessment and treatment sessions, you see measurable progress over time.
- You move forward with clarity- action-focused methods give you lasting tools that truly work for your wellbeing.
Who Benefits From CBT Therapy
You might benefit from therapy if your thoughts and feelings interfere with daily life. My approach helps anyone struggling with persistent patterns that hold them back. Whether you experience anxiety, depression, or chronic worry, CBT provides real solutions. Assessment and treatment sessions show you how your mind works and what you can change. You don’t need to suffer alone. Counselling meets you where you are and moves you forward with practical strategies that actually work for your situation.
- You experience persistent anxiety
- Depression affects your mood
- Chronic worry consumes you
- Social anxiety limits you
- Panic attacks overwhelm you
- Sleep problems drain you
- Low self-esteem holds you
Consider therapy when your current coping methods no longer work for you
- Anxiety interferes with work
- Depression lasts several weeks
- Panic attacks occur frequently
- Social situations feel impossible
- Worry prevents you from sleeping
- OCD patterns control you
- PTSD symptoms resurface regularly
- Health anxiety consumes thoughts
- Agoraphobia restricts your movement
- Public speaking terrifies you
- Relationships suffer from stress
When you notice these patterns affecting your quality of life, professional support offers practical help. Rather than waiting for problems to intensify, reaching out now prevents further struggle. Your therapy starts immediately, giving you tools to manage what troubles you. You regain control and move toward genuine wellbeing.
When CBT May Not Be Suitable
CBT works well for many people, but it’s not right for everyone. If you’re in acute crisis or experiencing severe mental health symptoms, you may need different support first. I’m honest about what therapy can and cannot do. My role is to help you find the right approach, whether that’s with me or another professional who specialises in your specific needs.
- You’re in acute crisis
- Severe psychosis requires specialist care
- Active substance addiction needs treatment
- You lack motivation currently
- Unwilling to engage honestly
How CBT Counselling Works For You
I start by understanding what brings you in, whether anxiety, depression, or chronic worry affects your life. Together, we identify the thoughts and patterns that maintain your struggles. Then, I teach you practical techniques to challenge unhelpful thinking and change your responses. Through assessment and treatment sessions, you practice these skills until they become natural. You see real progress as your thoughts shift, your feelings calm, and your actions align with what matters to you.
Different CBT Approaches I Offer
CBT has several specialised approaches tailored to your specific needs and challenges.
Trauma-Focused CBT
For PTSD and past trauma, this approach helps you process difficult memories safely. I guide you through your experiences at a pace you control, helping your nervous system settle and your mind make sense of what happened.
Schema CBT
For deep-rooted patterns, Schema CBT addresses core beliefs formed early in life. When you struggle with low self-esteem or recurring relationship difficulties, this method reaches underlying patterns and creates lasting change.
CBT for Insomnia (CBT-I)
For sleep problems, CBT-I tackles the thoughts and habits keeping you awake. Rather than relying on medication, you learn practical techniques that restore natural sleep and help you feel rested again.
CBT for Chronic Pain
For ongoing physical discomfort, this approach addresses how your thoughts amplify pain. You develop coping strategies that reduce suffering and help you reclaim activities previously limited by pain.
How I Deliver CBT Therapy in Bristol
I offer flexible options to fit your life. You can work with me through face-to-face sessions in my Bristol office, or choose online therapy for convenience. Both formats deliver the same quality assessment and treatment sessions. Your cognitive behaviour therapist in Bristol adapts approach to what works best for you and your schedule.
Don't Wait - Schedule Your First Session
Your wellbeing matters. Don’t wait another day. Reach out now and book your first appointment.
Prepare for Your First Therapy Session
You don’t need to prepare extensively; just arrive ready to talk. Think about what brought you here: the anxiety, depression, or worry that prompted you to seek help. Jot down key moments or patterns you’ve noticed. Bring any relevant medical information if health anxiety concerns you. Wear comfortable clothes so you feel at ease.
Most importantly, come with an open mind. Your first assessment and treatment session sets the foundation. I’ll guide you through everything, answer your questions, and create a plan tailored to your needs.
What to Share With Your Therapist
You might wonder what’s appropriate to discuss. The truth is, you share whatever matters to you. Therapy works best when you’re honest about your thoughts, feelings, and struggles, whether that’s anxiety, depression, chronic worry, or panic attacks. Tell me about situations that trigger your reactions, patterns you notice, and what you’ve already tried.
Share your fears around social anxiety, health anxiety, or any concern affecting your life. The more you open up, the better I understand your situation and can tailor your assessment and treatment sessions accordingly. There’s no judgment here. Everything you say stays confidential. Your role is simply to be honest, and my role is to listen without judgment and guide you toward practical solutions that work.
Why Choose Me as Your Counsellor
You need an accredited counsellor who truly understands your struggles. Clive brings CBT expertise, clinical supervision qualifications, and 40+ years of personal development to your sessions. You work with someone trained, experienced, and genuinely invested in your real progress and wellbeing.
Make the Change You Need - Let’s Talk About It
Anxiety, depression, and chronic worry won’t disappear on their own. But they can get better with the right support. Contact me today and book your first session. Real change is possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a CBT session cost in Bristol?
Private CBT therapy in the UK typically ranges from £50 to £100 per session, depending on therapist experience and location. In Bristol, fees generally sit within this range, with face-to-face sessions slightly higher than online options. I recommend contacting me directly to discuss pricing that fits your budget.
Can I book therapy sessions online or in person in Bristol?
Absolutely. You choose what works best for you. I offer both face-to-face sessions at my Bristol practice and online therapy via secure video conferencing. Many clients appreciate the flexibility of online sessions, while others prefer the in-person connection. Either option delivers the same quality support.
Does CBT include Virtual Reality treatment options in Bristol?
Virtual Reality therapy is emerging as an innovative treatment option. NICE has approved VR-based CBT for treating severe agoraphobia through the gameChange programme, which uses immersive environments alongside traditional CBT techniques. Currently, standard CBT remains the primary approach I offer. I can discuss whether VR might suit your needs.
Are therapy sessions covered by insurance or referral agencies in Bristol?
Many private health insurance providers cover CBT therapy. Major insurers like AXA and Bupa recognise approved CBT therapists and offer coverage for mental health treatment through their networks. Some clients receive funding through referral agencies or workplace schemes. I recommend checking your policy or contacting your insurer directly to confirm coverage details.
What is included in an assessment and treatment session in Bristol?
Your first session involves a thorough assessment where I understand your situation, goals, and what brought you here. I explain how CBT works and whether it suits your needs. Subsequent sessions focus on identifying unhelpful thought patterns, developing practical coping strategies, and tracking your progress through structured, evidence-based techniques tailored to you.