Therapy Glossary

Evidence-based talking therapy for changing unhelpful thought and behaviour patterns.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is a structured, short-to-medium term talking therapy recommended by NICE for anxiety, depression, OCD, PTSD and many other conditions. Sessions focus on identifying the links between thoughts, feelings and behaviour, and using practical techniques — such as thought records, behavioural experiments and exposure work — to build new patterns. Most courses of CBT run 6–20 sessions.

Related: Anxiety, Depression

Confidential talking therapy providing a supportive space to explore feelings and life issues.

Counselling is a talking therapy that gives you time and space with a trained professional to talk through what you are going through. Unlike CBT, counselling is typically less structured and more open-ended, and is often used for bereavement, relationship difficulties, self-esteem work and life transitions.

British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy — the UK's main professional body.

The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy is the leading professional association for counsellors and psychotherapists in the UK. Registered members appear on the BACP Register, which is accredited by the Professional Standards Authority. All BACP-registered therapists follow the BACP Ethical Framework.

UK Council for Psychotherapy — the leading UK register for psychotherapists.

The UK Council for Psychotherapy is a leading professional body for the education, training and regulation of psychotherapists. UKCP registration typically indicates significant post-graduate clinical training.

National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society — a UK accredited register.

The National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society is a professional body for counsellors and psychotherapists in the UK, accredited by the Professional Standards Authority.

A core CBT technique for identifying and rebalancing unhelpful thoughts.

Cognitive restructuring is the process of noticing automatic thoughts, examining the evidence for and against them, and developing more balanced, realistic alternatives. It is one of the most researched interventions in CBT.

A CBT approach for phobias, OCD and PTSD that gradually reduces avoidance.

Exposure therapy is a structured CBT technique in which a person is gradually and safely exposed to the situations, sensations or memories they fear, in order to break the cycle of avoidance that maintains anxiety. It is a first-line NICE-recommended treatment for phobias, panic disorder and OCD.

A CBT technique for depression based on re-engaging with meaningful activity.

Behavioural activation is an evidence-based treatment for depression that focuses on gradually rebuilding rewarding daily activities to break the low-mood/withdrawal cycle. NICE recommends it as a first-line treatment.

Joint talking therapy for two people in a relationship.

Couples therapy is a form of psychotherapy attended jointly by both partners. Its focus is on communication patterns, conflict, trust, intimacy and repair. Sessions at CBT & Counselling Surrey are 60 minutes and cost £80 per session.

Related: Relationship problems

Therapy delivered by secure video call — as effective as face to face for most issues.

Online therapy is CBT or counselling delivered via secure encrypted video call. Research consistently shows online therapy is as effective as in-person therapy for anxiety, depression and most common presentations. It is offered by every therapist on our team at the same price as face-to-face sessions.

UK clinical standards from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence publishes the evidence-based guidelines that the NHS uses to decide which treatments are recommended for which conditions. CBT is a NICE-recommended first-line treatment for anxiety, depression, OCD, PTSD and many other conditions.

A single 60-minute therapy appointment.

A therapy session at CBT & Counselling Surrey is 60 minutes long, delivered either face to face at one of our Surrey practices or by secure video call. Sessions are booked one at a time — there is no contract or minimum commitment.