27/09/2025
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, is not about putting on a fake smile, ignoring your pain, or repeating happy mantras in front of a mirror. That’s not therapy. That’s emotional bypassing.
Let’s say you have the thought, ‘I always mess things up.’
CBT doesn’t tell you to jump straight to ‘I’m amazing and everything is fine.’
Instead, it helps you challenge that belief by asking:
* What’s the evidence for and against that thought?
* Where did that belief come from?
* Is it the whole story, or just a part of it?
* What might a more balanced thought sound like?”
So instead of going from ‘I always fail’ to ‘I’m the best ever,’ you might land on:
‘I’ve made mistakes, but I’ve also learned and grown. One moment doesn’t define me.’
That’s not sugar-coating—it’s reframing.
That’s not denial—it’s empowerment.
And that’s the heart of CBT.
When people believe CBT is just about ‘positive thinking,’ they often dismiss it without giving it a chance.
And that’s a shame—because CBT can be deeply validating, healing, and effective when done right, especially with a skilled therapist who helps you unpack the why behind your patterns, not just the what.
CBT helps you so you can start showing up for yourself in a way that feels grounded, kind, and true.
The therapy is available for adults, children, teenagers, and couples.
If you need help, book an appointment:
👉🏻 https://oxford-talking-therapies.selectandbook.com/
Led by Sara Whammond, associate supervisor of CBT at the University of Oxford.
