Parents and young people
Interventions we offer:
What is cognitive behavioural therapy?
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a type of talking therapy. It is a recommended treatment for a range of mental health problems but is most commonly used to treat anxiety and depression/low mood.
CBT can help you manage your problems by changing the way you think and behave. CBT teaches you coping skills for dealing with different problems. It focuses on how your thoughts, beliefs and attitudes affect your feelings and actions. CBT is based on the concept that your thoughts, feelings, physical sensations, and actions are interconnected, and that negative thoughts and feelings can trap you in a negative cycle.
Unlike some other talking treatments, CBT deals with your current problems, rather than focusing on issues from your past.
Adapted CBT for children with learning disabilities or autism
There is growing evidence that CBT can be effective for young people with learning disabilities and/or autism, particularly in treating anxiety and low mood either through group or individual work.
Careful assessment and formulation are needed to identify whether CBT is the appropriate intervention and to identify areas to focus on for each individual.
Suggested adaptations of CBT include the use of written and visual information, use of concrete language, inclusion of parents, shorter sessions, and use of a variety of media/technologies.
For some young people CBT is adapted to focusing on physical feelings and their behaviours if they are not at a level to comprehend thoughts and emotions.
What to expect from CBT sessions
If CBT is recommended, you'll usually have a session with a therapist once a week or once every 2 weeks.
The course of treatment usually lasts for 6-8 sessions, more may be needed for children with LD or ASD. Sessions are usually 30 to 60 minutes long.
During the sessions, you'll work with your therapist to break down your problems into their separate parts, such as your thoughts, physical feelings, and behaviours. This may include:
- working through exercises/worksheets with your therapist to explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviour
- agreeing some activities to work on in your own time
- going over what you did in previous sessions and discussing what progress you’ve made.
Helpful contacts and information
Telephone
Samaritans – call 116 123
Childline – call 0800 1111
Apps (recommended on the NHS website)
Feeling good: positive mindset
Calm Harm (managing self-harm)
Catch It (record and challenge negative thoughts)
Chill Panda (relaxation techniques)
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