Practical CBT Professional Development for Therapists Research & Practice What Does the Latest Research Tell Us About Generalised Anxiety Disorder — and How We Treat It? GAD is one of the most common presentations in therapy — yet research in the past decade has fundamentally reshaped our understanding of what drives it. Here is what the evidenceContinue reading “What Does the Latest Research Tell Us About Generalised Anxiety Disorder — and How We Treat It?”
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7 Fresh Ways to Beat Procrastination: What the Latest Research Says
What’s New? We’ve all been there: putting off that report until the last minute, scrolling through our phones instead of starting the laundry, or telling ourselves we’ll “definitely” go to the gym… tomorrow. Procrastination isn’t just a quirky habit—it can really get in the way of our goals, our peace of mind, and even ourContinue reading “7 Fresh Ways to Beat Procrastination: What the Latest Research Says”
Treating Core Beliefs in CBT: What’s The Plan?
Understanding the Foundation Core beliefs represent the deepest level of cognitive processing in CBT—the central, enduring ideas we hold about ourselves, others, and the world. Unlike automatic thoughts that flicker through consciousness moment-to-moment, core beliefs are global, rigid, and overgeneralized, typically developing during childhood or stressful periods. They act as powerful filters, shaping how weContinue reading “Treating Core Beliefs in CBT: What’s The Plan?”
Why Your Free Initial Client Conversations Might Not Be Working – A Practical Guide for CBT Therapists
By Professor Patrick McGhee, FRSA, BABCP, C Psychol. National Teaching Fellow. Introduction Offering a complimentary initial conversation is a common marketing tactic for CBT practitioners. In theory, it lowers the barrier for prospective clients, showcases your expertise, and builds rapport before therapy begins. Yet many therapists find that these “free calls” rarely translate into bookedContinue reading “Why Your Free Initial Client Conversations Might Not Be Working – A Practical Guide for CBT Therapists”
What Might 2026 Hold for UK Therapists in Ireland and the UK?
What Might 2026 Hold for UK Therapists in Ireland and the UK? As we approach 2026, therapists across both the UK and Ireland find themselves at a fascinating crossroads. From long-awaited regulatory changes to the rapid emergence of AI tools, the landscape of therapeutic practice is shifting beneath our feet. For those of us whoContinue reading “What Might 2026 Hold for UK Therapists in Ireland and the UK?”
The Expectation Gap: Tackling Loneliness at Christmas with Practical CBT
🎄 Festive Feeling Series Navigating the Festive Season with Resilience and Practical Strategies By Prof Patrick McGhee Christmas is a cultural phenomenon defined by images of connection, conviviality, and family warmth. For those experiencing loneliness or social isolation, this relentless, idealised portrayal creates a painful psychological phenomenon: The Expectation Gap. The gap between the media-fuelledContinue reading “The Expectation Gap: Tackling Loneliness at Christmas with Practical CBT”
Father – Son Dynamics at Christmas: Navigating the Activation Gap
Festive Feeling Series Navigating the Festive Season with Resilience and Practical Strategies By Prof Patrick McGhee The father-son relationship, often characterised by unspoken expectations, competition, and a unique form of ‘activation,’ takes on an intensified significance during the Christmas period. Unlike the traditionally expressive mother-daughter dyad, the dynamics between fathers and sons can be subtle,Continue reading “Father – Son Dynamics at Christmas: Navigating the Activation Gap”
Understanding Mother-Daughter Dynamics at Christmas: The Micropolitics of Festive Feelings
Festive Feeling Series Navigating the Festive Season with Resilience and Practical Strategies By Prof Patrick McGhee Christmas is often painted as a period of effortless harmony, warmth, and nostalgic connection. Yet, for many of us in the consulting room, the festive period amplifies the unique pressures inherent in the long-term, enduring relationship between a motherContinue reading “Understanding Mother-Daughter Dynamics at Christmas: The Micropolitics of Festive Feelings”
Mental Health and Fathers at Christmas: A CBT Perspective
Festive Feeling Series Navigating the Festive Season with Resilience and Practical Strategies Christmas is often portrayed as a time of warmth, generosity, and family unity—but for many fathers, it can amplify underlying mental health pressures in ways that feel uniquely burdensome. As providers, protectors, and often the “fixers” in family dynamics, fathers may grapple withContinue reading “Mental Health and Fathers at Christmas: A CBT Perspective”
Mental Health and Mothers at Christmas: A CBT Perspective
Navigating the Festive Season with Compassion and Practical Strategies Christmas can be a time of joy, connection, and celebration—but for many mothers, it brings unique pressures that can exacerbate mental health challenges. From the relentless demands of holiday preparations to the emotional weight of family dynamics, the season often amplifies feelings of overwhelm, guilt, andContinue reading “Mental Health and Mothers at Christmas: A CBT Perspective”
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