On this page…
What is Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)?
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a type of treatment that looks at the way our thoughts (“cognitions”) link in with our behaviour and feelings.
Sometimes, people get stuck in unhelpful patterns of behaviour, especially with regard to eating. Some people eat for comfort, or because they are stressed or worried, some because they feel low.
Although people know it’s unhelpful and unhealthy, they don’t know why they overeat. CBT helps them to find new, more helpful ways to think about food and to develop more helpful and healthier ways to eat.
Rather than spending a lot of time talking about the past, CBT helps people to focus on the `here and now,' and how to move towards their goals. CBT can help people to make sense of sometimes overwhelming problems, and to act more in line with their values and goals.
One of the most important features of CBT is the emphasis on CHANGE. Consequently, some people may experience CBT as quite challenging. It involves you and your therapist working together as a team.
The aim is that you learn strategies and life skills to help you manage better. The idea is that, in time, you learn to be your own `therapist.' In other words, you develop the tools and skills you need to develop greater self-reliance and self-efficacy.
Initially, your therapist will explain how CBT works. You and your therapist will then agree areas for change and an individual plan for treatment. Sessions are scheduled with sufficient space between them to enable you to use what you have learnt in sessions, and to make the necessary changes to support your weight loss goals.
- At your first appointment, you can discuss with the therapist whether CBT is right for you and if the timing is right
- You may be signposted to other complementary services, such as, Talking Therapies for psychological support
- Alternatively, you may be offered individual CBT sessions within Mersey Care. The number of sessions varies depending on the nature of your problems, but usually therapy is time limited, so it is important to maximise each session and the potential learning from it
- In the initial stages you and your therapist will discuss your goals and agree a plan of treatment
- Sessions are structured and will usually start with you and your therapist agreeing the primary focus or `agenda` for the session
- Usually, you and your therapist will agree tasks for you to carry out between sessions (such as, making behavioural changes or reading self help information). These will help you progress and should relate to your work in session.
Your dietitian will refer you if appropriate. CBT sessions are currently offered remotely (by telephone).
Patient feedback:
"CBT has been really worthwhile and opened my eyes to a whole new way of behaving and thinking. I was apprehensive at first, but my therapist was brilliant, and I’ve learnt loads to help me cope better."
Our patients matter
Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust listens and responds to patients and their carers to help improve the services we deliver.
If you have any comments, compliments or concerns you can speak with a member of staff or contact our Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) and Complaints Team
Telephone: 0151 471 2377
Freephone: 0800 328 2941
Email: palsandcomplaints@merseycare.nhs.uk
Alternative Formats
You can use the accessibility toolbar at the bottom of your screen to change the text size and colour contrast on this page.
There is a “translate” button in the Accessibility toolbar, at the bottom of this page, however, this tool is automated and may not be accurate.
Speak to a member of staff if you wish to request this page in Braille or have any other questions about accessibility.
You can use the “print this page” icon at the bottom of the page to save or print a PDF copy of this leaflet.
Approval date: 23 July 2026
Review date: 29 July 2027
Version number: 1