Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
CBT is one of the most effective and evidence-based psychological treatments available today. It focuses on the powerful connection between thoughts, behaviours, and emotions, helping individuals reshape unhelpful patterns and build healthier coping strategies.
Identify Negative Patterns
Recognise unhelpful thoughts and behaviours that contribute to psychological distress.
Challenge & Replace
Learn strategies to replace negative patterns with positive, adaptive ones.
Short-Term & Effective
Typically lasting 8–20 sessions, CBT is cost-effective and results-focused.
The CBT Cycle
CBT emphasises how thoughts, emotions, and behaviours are interconnected — changing one can positively influence the others.
Benefits of CBT
What is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)?
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective, evidence-based therapies available. It focuses on the connection between your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. When we experience anxiety, depression, stress or other challenges, thinking patterns can become negative or unhelpful — shaping how we feel and respond in everyday life.
CBT helps you identify and challenge these thought patterns so you can see situations more clearly and respond in healthier ways. It’s a practical, skills-focused therapy, giving you strategies you can use not only in sessions but also in daily life. CBT is suitable for adults, young people, and children, and can be delivered in our Cairns clinic or through secure online therapy across Australia.
How CBT Works
The core principle of CBT is simple: by changing the way we think, we can change how we feel and behave. For example, if someone constantly believes “I will fail,” anxiety increases and they may avoid challenges. In CBT, a psychologist works with you to notice these thoughts, test their accuracy, and replace them with more balanced, realistic perspectives.
CBT also addresses behaviour. Avoiding stressful situations may feel helpful short term, but it reinforces anxiety over time. Through gradual, manageable steps, CBT helps you build confidence and resilience while breaking these avoidance cycles.
CBT can be helpful for:
- Anxiety and panic
- Depression and low mood
- Stress and burnout
- Specific phobias
- Insomnia and sleep problems
- Low self-esteem and unhelpful habits
With consistent practice, CBT empowers you to create lasting change and move toward a calmer, more balanced, and meaningful life.
Counselling and Psychology Sessions in Cairns & Online
At Cairns Beaches Psychology, we provide more than Cognitive Behavioural Therapy — our team of experienced psychologists offers a full range of counselling and therapy services for adults, young people and families. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, relationship difficulties, or simply want to build resilience and improve wellbeing, professional support can make a lasting difference.
Our psychologists use evidence-based approaches tailored to your needs, including CBT, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), EMDR for trauma, and mindfulness-based techniques. We take a compassionate, practical approach that helps you better understand your challenges, develop effective coping strategies, and move toward a more balanced life.
Sessions are available in our Cairns clinic or through secure telehealth online sessions accessible anywhere in Australia. This flexibility means you can choose the format that works best for your lifestyle, location, or comfort.
If you’re searching for “counselling Cairns”, “psychologist near me”, or “online therapy Australia”, Cairns Beaches Psychology is here to help. We aim to provide a safe, supportive environment where you feel heard and empowered to take positive steps forward.
Taking the first step towards change can feel difficult, but you don’t have to do it alone. Contact us today to book a counselling session and begin your journey toward improved mental health and wellbeing.
