CBT is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.

CBT theory suggests that our thoughts, emotions, body sensations, and behaviour are all connected, and that what we think and do affects the way we feel. 

It deals with identifying a client’s negative belief systems and then helping the client to change those thinking patterns into more constructive ones. Thoughts and feelings are explored to gauge whether they are rooted in reality. The relationship between the counsellor and the client is a collaborative one. Examples of the techniques used in CBT are; keeping thought records, relaxation and breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, identifying and challenging your style of thinking and behavioural experiments.

It tends to focus on the client’s present rather than exploring the past and if used alone is often a shorter term therapy. 

Below is an example of how the same event can trigger different responses in different people. Thoughts translate into feelings and this in turn will influence our behaviour. CBT can help to change the thought process.