Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a relatively new therapy, developed in the 1960s by Aaron T. Beck who in turn was influenced by Albert Ellis and others.

A former psychoanalytic psychotherapist, he became aware that beside the ordinary contents of our minds there exists a second stream of thought, which we might today call a running commentary, just underneath the surface of consciousness.

In those suffering from anxiety and depression, this commentary tends to be very negative. By bringing these thoughts to the surface and exposing how they influence our moods, we can then devise more helpful interpretations that are more in line with reality, and more helpful.

More recently, the emphasis has shifted somewhat towards an awareness of one’s thoughts as thoughts – coming to realise that ‘just because it’s going through my mind doesn’t mean it’s true’.  In this CBT is coming closer to the attitude of Mindfulness, with which it is often combined.