Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for young people is a type of therapy that helps children and adolescents understand the connection between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours, and teaches them how to manage emotional difficulties by changing unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviours.

CBT emphasises:

• Thoughts: Identifying negative or unhelpful thoughts (e.g., "I'm not good enough").

• Feelings: Understanding how these thoughts influence emotions (e.g., sadness, anxiety).

• Behaviours: Learning how behaviour is affected by thoughts and feelings, and how changing behaviour can improve emotional well-being.

CBT has a strong evidence base for anxiety disorders, depression, long-term health conditions and other difficulties. 

​How It Works:

CBT is usually structured and goal-oriented. It often includes:

• Psychoeducation: Teaching about how thoughts, feelings, and behaviours are connected.

• Cognitive restructuring: Helping the young person identify and challenge negative thoughts.

• Behavioural experiments: Encouraging new behaviours to test out more helpful beliefs.

• Skills training: Teaching coping strategies like relaxation, problem-solving, or assertiveness.

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CBT treatment protocols are typically 6–20 sessions, and sessions last about 30–60 minutes. CBT can be tailored for young people including those that are neurodivergent through age-appropriate language, use of visuals and the young person's interests, storytelling and more interactive formats. 

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