Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

Our beliefs, perspectives, perceptions, and thoughts play a significant role in how we feel about ourselves, other people, and the world.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, often called CBT, is a long-standing approach that focuses on this connection. It aims to help people identify and change particular thoughts and behaviours that are negatively affecting their mood.

CBT has been a core part of mental health support for decades. Many people still find it helpful, and for others it can feel limited at times. At Collective Hope Therapy, CBT is used when it is likely to be useful, but it is never the only option. The focus is on working alongside each person to decide what fits best for their needs.

Noticing patterns in thinking

CBT can be helpful when someone is caught in thinking patterns that create distress. These patterns can include:

fortune telling, making assumptions about the future
mind reading, assuming the thoughts, perceptions, or intent of others
over-generalisation, believing that one experience is always true
catastrophising or black and white thinking
labelling, taking one action or choice and defining yourself or someone else by it

CBT supports people to gently question these thoughts and consider whether there may be another way of seeing the situation.

A simple example

A person might think, “I am going to do badly at this job interview. I am not good at them.” CBT would suggest asking questions such as, “What evidence do I have that I will do badly? Have I prepared for the interview? Am I the only one who struggles with interviews?” From there, the thought might shift to something like, “I have prepared for this interview and I will do my best.”

The aim is not to force positive thinking, but to create more balanced and realistic perspectives that reduce distress.

Supporting change through action

CBT also involves taking specific actions that can shift emotional state and self-perception.

This may include:

spending time with supportive people
attempting new tasks
keeping the mind and body moving
spending time in natural environments
choosing activities that bring satisfaction or purpose

These steps are not about fixing someone. They are about building experiences that help life feel more manageable and meaningful.

A flexible and collaborative approach

At Collective Hope Therapy Epping, CBT is one of many approaches available. It is used alongside other therapeutic methods when it makes sense for the person. The work is collaborative, respectful, and focused on supporting people to understand themselves, make choices that feel right for them, and move toward the kind of life they want.

We provide in-person appointments at our therapy practice in Epping, Melbourne and online across Australia.

Young adult man sitting on couch in therapy session