CBT – Understanding Anxiety

Anxiety is a natural and human emotional response that can show up in many aspects of daily life. At times, it can be helpful to keep us alert, focused, and motivated.
It’s normal to feel anxious before events such as a presentation, driving test, or job interview.

However, when anxiety becomes persistent, frequent, or overwhelming, it can begin to affect daily functioning and overall well-being.
This is where Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) can help.

What Is CBT?

CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) is an evidence-based psychological intervention recommended by the NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) guidelines for clinical excellence.
It is used to support individuals experiencing a wide range of mental health conditions, particularly anxiety disorders such as health anxiety, OCD, and social anxiety.

How CBT Works

CBT begins with a thorough assessment and formulation, helping you and your therapist set clear, achievable goals for therapy.
You may be invited to complete a GAD-7 questionnaire (or a similar tool) alongside a detailed assessment to identify key areas for support.

CBT is a collaborative approach. Your therapist may also work closely with other healthcare professionals, such as your GP or psychiatrist, to ensure holistic and consistent care.

 The CBT Approach

CBT helps explore the connection between your thoughts, emotions, behaviours, and physical responses to anxiety.
It is a structured and time-limited therapy, with regular progress reviews to help you recognise success, practice self-compassion, and be gently challenged when needed.

Therapists use a variety of CBT evidence-based models, techniques, and strategies to help you identify and challenge unhelpful thought patterns and behaviours, promoting emotional balance and resilience.

Building Confidence and Self-Awareness

One of the key benefits of CBT is that it encourages you to take agency over your well-being.
Through therapy, you can begin to build self-esteem, confidence, and practical coping skills that empower you to manage anxiety more effectively.

CBT helps reduce the intensity and feeling of overwhelm, replacing it with evidence-based strategies and healthier ways to cope.

Duration and Professional Standards

CBT is typically time-sensitive. After a full assessment and formulation, your therapist will recommend how many sessions may be appropriate for your needs.

All CBT therapists at Dr Cottrell’s clinic are accredited with the BABCP (British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies), meaning they are trained to the gold standard in CBT and receive regular supervision to ensure the highest quality of care.

Accessing CBT at Dr Cottrell’s Clinic

CBT is available at Dr Cottrell’s clinic, often supported (with your consent) in coordination with your GP.
Therapy can be offered remotely or in person, depending on your needs and availability.

If you’d like to learn more about managing anxiety or want to explore how Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) can help, we’re here to support you. Our CBT sessions are designed to help you understand your thoughts, emotions, and behaviours giving you practical tools to manage anxiety and regain control of your wellbeing. You can book your first session today with Dr Greg Quee to start working towards a calmer, more balanced mindset.

We also invite you to visit our blog section, where you’ll find a growing collection of articles on CBT, anxiety, and mental health awareness. Each post offers up-to-date, evidence-based guidance written by our clinical team to help you make informed decisions about your care. Whether you’re looking for coping strategies, therapy insights, or professional advice, our resources are here to guide and reassure you every step of the way.

Mr Greg Quee

B.Ed (Hons), AD Dip PD, PG Dip CBT, BABCP
Psychotherapist & Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist

Greg Quee is a fully qualified Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist and accredited member of the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP). He holds a First Class (Hons) degree in Education and a Postgraduate Diploma in Inclusive Education from the Institute of Child Education and Psychology in Europe. After living and working in East Africa for several years, Greg returned to the UK to complete a PhD focused on anxiety interventions for neurological conditions using Virtual Reality. He has extensive experience supporting adults, young people, and parents with a range of mental health challenges.

Greg’s ethos centres on delivering evidence-based therapy with a compassionate and human approach, helping individuals manage anxiety, build resilience, and improve their overall emotional well-being.