Trauma Informed Care & Therapy
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a talking therapy that helps people understand how their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours are connected. It is generally a short-term, focused intervention designed to help with specific difficulties that affect emotional wellbeing, relationships, and day-to-day life.
CBT supports children, young people, and adults to identify and change unhelpful thought patterns and behaviours that may be linked to problems such as anxiety, depression, aggression, phobias, addictions, or sleep difficulties. Through therapy, individuals learn strategies to manage these challenges and develop healthier ways of thinking and coping.
CBT has a strong evidence base and is widely used with children who have experienced early life neglect and trauma, showing favourable long-term outcomes. At The Behaviour Clinic, CBT can be delivered as a stand-alone therapy or combined with Therapeutic Life Story Work (TLSW) for children aged 8 years and over. Parents and carers are actively involved, supporting practice of strategies outside of sessions to ensure lasting change.
Who Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Helps
Who Provides It?
At The Behaviour Clinic, CBT is provided by therapists who hold core therapeutic qualifications and registration (BACP, BCBA, UKBA(cert)) and have post-qualifying practitioner accreditation (PCBT) in CBT.
What Can CBT Help With?
Who Can It Support?
CBT is typically suitable for children aged 8 years and over, as well as adolescents and adults.
Parents and carers play an important role by supporting the young person to practice skills and strategies outside of sessions, ensuring long-term change and positive outcomes.
What Does It Look Like?
CBT sessions are usually delivered weekly, 1:1, in a neutral and safe space.
The process begins with an initial consultation involving parents/carers/professionals and an assessment with the young person to set goals and create a personalised treatment plan. Therapy is collaborative, encouraging the young person to take an active role and practice skills outside of sessions so strategies generalise to daily life. Core components of CBT may include:
- Stabilisation – Techniques to regulate emotions and remain present.
- Psychoeducation – Learning about thoughts, beliefs, emotions, and relationships.
- Activity scheduling – Building routines that promote achievement and confidence.
- Cognitive restructuring – Developing healthier, more balanced ways of thinking.
- Problem-solving & skill development – Applying strategies to real-life challenges.
Progress is reviewed regularly, with feedback at midpoint and a final report with recommendations.
What Does It Look Like in Practice?
Assessment
Initial consultation (in clinic or online).
Therapy
Sessions
12 CBT sessions.
Sessions at The Behaviour Clinic Cardiff, in the home, school, or online (if required).
Sessions may need to take place during school or work time.
Parent/Carer Guidance
Parents and carers will be guided through where their child is in the process and provided with activities they can complete at home to support the therapy.
Review & Report
Midpoint review meeting.
Final meeting, report & recommendations.
