Cognitive Therapy

What is Cognitive Therapy?

Cognitive therapy is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on modifying dysfunctional thoughts and beliefs that contribute to emotional distress and maladaptive behavior. It is a foundational aspect of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and works by helping individuals identify, challenge, and change negative thought patterns.

How Does Cognitive Therapy Work?

In cognitive therapy, individuals work with a therapist to recognize unhelpful thoughts, also known as cognitive distortions, which can include:

  • All-or-nothing thinking.
  • Overgeneralization.
  • Catastrophizing or assuming the worst-case scenario.
  • Mind reading (assuming what others think).
  • Magnification of negative events.

By identifying these distortions, individuals can start to understand how these thoughts influence their emotions and behavior. With guided practice, they can learn to replace these distortions with more realistic and positive thoughts.

Benefits of Cognitive Therapy

Cognitive therapy can be highly effective in treating a wide range of mental health conditions, including:

  • Depression.
  • Anxiety disorders.
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
  • Panic disorder.
  • Phobias.

It can also be beneficial for those struggling with low self-esteem, stress, or relationship issues. By improving cognitive awareness, individuals can break free from the cycle of negative thinking and regain control over their mental health.

What to Expect in Cognitive Therapy Sessions

Cognitive therapy sessions are typically structured and goal-oriented. During the sessions, therapists will guide clients in analyzing their thought patterns and applying cognitive restructuring techniques to everyday life. This often involves completing exercises or keeping a thought journal to track and challenge negative thinking.

Is Cognitive Therapy Right for You?

If you find yourself overwhelmed by persistent negative thoughts that impact your mood and behavior, cognitive therapy may provide the tools you need to achieve a more balanced and positive outlook on life. Consulting with a cognitive therapist can help determine whether this approach suits your mental health needs.

Therapists in Brighton & Hove

Browse our verified therapists — many work across a range of approaches and may be able to help.

Imogen Salt Brighton

Imogen Salt

Humanistic Psychotherapist

I offer one-to-one humanistic counselling, for adults and young people within the Brighton & Hove area. I prioritise face-to-face therapy, but offer online where needed. I am experienced, thoughtful, intuitive and warm.

NCPSAccredited
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Sharon Twomey Brighton

Sharon Twomey

Psychotherapeutic counsellor

I’m Sharon, a qualified psychotherapeutic counsellor offering short and long term therapy across Brighton and Hove both in person and online. My work is trauma-informed and rooted in compassion, supporting adults facing challenges such as anxiety, depression, grief, addiction, stress, and relational difficulties.My approach is deeply empathic and nurturing, blending warmth with thoughtful challenge. I offer a confidential space where you can feel held with care as you reflect, engage with difficult emotions, and begin the journey toward meaningful and lasting change.

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Tony Austin Brighton

Tony Austin

Integrative psychotherapist

Common feelings such as anxiety, a lack of self-worth or sadness colour our experience and often leave us feeling we have lost our way. Sometimes we can feel like our own worst enemy, giving ourselves a hard time because others can manage, so why can’t I?I chose to train as a psychotherapist after being in therapy myself. Through the process of talking with a skilled therapist I was able to reflect on how my past had shaped my present, understand myself better, value myself more and create a happier, more fulfilled life and I want to help others do the same. Nothing gives me greater satisfaction than having a client say they feel “unburdened” at the end of a session or, at their final session, seeing them leave with greater confidence ready to make the changes necessary to create the life they want.After completing my training as a counsellor at Lambeth College, I worked for an NHS counselling service in West London. I helped many clients dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship breakdown and many other common issues and seeing so many people find positive solutions fuelled my passion for therapy and I would like to help you.  I believe everyone deserves to be heard and with the right support can create positive, lasting change. Through our work together, I can help you reduce anxiety, rebuild your confidence, learn how to recognise unhelpful habits such as “people pleasing”, or “self-sabotage” and create better relationships with yourself and others.If you want to learn more about how counselling can help you, get in touch through the link at the bottom of this page and take the first step to happier, more fulfilling life.

BACPAccredited
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Cerrie Lantrua Brighton

Cerrie Lantrua

Counsellor

Clients often tell me how much they value having a space where they feel understood, where they don’t have to explain their neurodivergence or justify their experiences.I am neurodivergent myself, and I’m open about that. It’s not something I see as a limitation, but as something that shapes how I understand, relate, and connect. Alongside my training and experience, this gives me a way of seeing things that often helps clients feel recognised in ways they may not have experienced before.I’m naturally creative and tend to think outside the box, which allows me to consider different perspectives and gently step into what it might be like to be you, not from a place of judgement, but from a genuine willingness to understand.At the same time, I don’t assume your experience is the same as anyone else’s. No two people are the same. A big part of what I offer is taking the time to learn what you need, how you experience things, and what support feels right for you.You are the expert on yourself. My role isn’t to tell you what to do or who to be, but to walk alongside you as you begin to understand yourself more fully.I aim to create a space where you feel safe enough to be real. Where you don’t have to mask, filter, or find the “right” way to say things. A space where you can feel seen, heard, and genuinely understood. 

BACPRegistered
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Gabrielle Lake Mitchell Brighton

Gabrielle Lake Mitchell

Integrative Counsellor

Thinking about starting counselling and looking for a counsellor, can feel daunting. So I warmly welcome you to my profile and hope that you get in touch to see if I am the right counsellor for you. There are many reasons why people seek counselling. Perhaps you are feeling lonely or disconnected from the people around you? Perhaps you would like to talk to someone about making changes in your life? Maybe you are feeling stuck, anxious or depressed, and would like a little extra support to help you through a difficult time? Perhaps you can't quite put your finger on what is wrong, and would like somewhere to express yourself and make sense of your thoughts and feelings?Whatever brings you to counselling, I will endeavour to offer you a confidential and safe space, where you can talk and explore all of your thoughts and feelings, and express them freely without judgement or opinion. Counselling can be useful in helping you to gain insight and a fresh perspective. It can help you to gain understanding about yourself and others, or help to make sense of a problematic situation. It can help you move towards acceptance, emotional freedom and healthy psychological growth.

BACPRegistered
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Ayesha Daly Brighton

Ayesha Daly

Humanistic Integrative Counsellor

​I am an experienced Humanistic counsellor practising in Lewes and Brighton, East Sussex and believe everyone has the capacity to heal and move forward. I understand how difficult starting counselling can be and will hope to answer any queries you have. For me therapy has been incredibly important, healing and rewarding. As a counsellor I hope to offer you what I have gained.

BACPAccredited
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