A thoughtful young woman sitting with her arms around her knees, representing reflection, anxiety, and the path toward calm through counselling at Self Growth Institute, Melbourne.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is one of the most widely researched and effective forms of psychological treatment. It focuses on the connection between thoughts, emotions, and behaviours, helping you develop practical strategies to manage challenges and enhance wellbeing.

At Self Growth Institute, our psychologists use CBT to support individuals experiencing a range of difficulties, including anxiety, depression, stress, phobias, trauma, and other emotional concerns.

What CBT Can Help With

CBT is effective for treating a broad range of issues, including:

  • Depression and low mood

  • Generalised anxiety and panic attacks

  • Phobias and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

  • Stress and emotional regulation difficulties

  • Sleep disturbances or insomnia

  • Addictive behaviours

It can also support individuals managing chronic pain, health-related anxiety, or low self-esteem.

Effectiveness of CBT

Research consistently shows CBT to be one of the most evidence-based and effective psychological treatments.
It has been shown to be as effective as medication for many forms of depression and is recommended by leading organisations, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Australian Psychological Society (APS).

CBT empowers individuals to take an active role in recovery by changing the way they think and respond to challenges.

How CBT Works

CBT is based on the principle that our thoughts influence how we feel and behave. When these thoughts become distorted or unhelpful, they can create distress and unproductive behaviour patterns.
In therapy, you’ll work collaboratively with your psychologist to:

  • Identify negative or unhelpful thinking patterns

  • Challenge and reframe those thoughts into more balanced perspectives

  • Develop practical coping and problem-solving strategies

  • Build long-term tools for emotional regulation and resilient.

How CBT Is Delivered

CBT can be provided one-on-one with a psychologist or in group settings, depending on your needs.
Treatment typically involves 5 to 20 weekly sessions of around 50 minutes each.

Your therapist will help you apply new skills to real-life situations, ensuring that the progress made in therapy continues beyond sessions.

Take the First Step

CBT can empower you to break free from unhelpful patterns and build healthier ways of thinking, feeling, and responding to life’s challenges.
Book a confidential session online or in person with one of our experienced psychologists today.

Book a Session