# What is cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)?

URL: https://tymirahealth.com/resources/faqs/what-is-cognitive-behavioural-therapy
For: Patients | Mental health care | Last reviewed 23 July 2026

**Answer:** Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a structured psychological therapy that looks at how thoughts, feelings, behaviour and physical sensations affect each other. With a trained therapist, you set goals, spot unhelpful patterns and test new ways of responding, often with practice between sessions. CBT is not simply positive thinking. It can help with several conditions, but it is not the only effective therapy and is not right for everyone.

### What happens in CBT

- You and your therapist build a shared picture of how thoughts, emotions, body and behaviour interact.
- Sessions may include activity planning, problem solving, gradual exposure, behavioural experiments and skills practice.
- Agreed practice between sessions, often called homework, is common.

### When CBT may or may not fit

CBT can be adapted for age, culture, disability and literacy. Trauma, psychosis, substance use or severe risk may need specialist adaptations or other care. Suitability depends on your needs and preferences, the therapist's competence and a professional assessment. Self-guided CBT resources are not a substitute for professional care when symptoms are severe.

> **Important:** Self-guided CBT resources are not a substitute for professional care when symptoms are severe, complex or unsafe.

> **Important:** If there is immediate danger or a medical emergency, contact emergency services now. In Kenya, call 999, 112 or 911. Outside Kenya, use the emergency number for your location.

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