About cognitive behavioral therapy (cbt)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a structured, goal-oriented approach that focuses on the connections between thoughts, feelings and behaviors. Browse therapists who list CBT among their approaches below to read profiles, compare approaches, credentials, languages and experience.
What to compare in entries
| Credentials | A US state licence, or membership of a professional body such as BACP or NCPS. They are different kinds of thing; each profile shows what was supplied. |
|---|---|
| Focus | Whether cognitive behavioral therapy (cbt) is listed as a main focus or among the wider list of areas. Entries show both. |
| Way of working | The approaches named on the entry. Two people working with the same concern can describe very different sessions. |
| Time in practice | Years in practice, as supplied. A fact to weigh, not a ranking. |
| Language | The languages sessions can be held in, where that matters to you. |
Common questions
How were these entries chosen?
Everyone listed on this page names Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) among the approaches they told the platform they use. They are not ranked, rated or endorsed by this directory, and the order is not a recommendation.
Do I need a referral to start?
No. You can contact a therapist through their entry directly. A GP referral is not required for independent online therapy.
What if the first therapist is not right?
Changing therapist is normal and expected, and can be done at any point. One session is a small sample of how someone works.
Entries for cognitive behavioral therapy (cbt)
Pietro (Pete) Martucci, LPCC
Ref 37848
Calm guidance for stress and life changes
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, LGBT, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingAngela Neary, BACP
Ref 109659
Experienced person-centred counsellor with practical support
Works with: Addictions, Relationship, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingRoseanne Jackson, LCSW, LCSW-R
Ref 54688
Compassionate, practical help for big life stressors
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Grief Languages: English
View listingApril Lacey, LCPC
Ref 94106
Helping people find steady change and clearer paths
Works with: Relationship, Trauma and abuse, Anger Languages: English
View listingMark Dexter, BACP
Ref 188313
Practical therapy for mood and life changes
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, LGBT, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingSiyue Zhang, AASW
Ref 243585
Calm, practical therapy focused on real-life change
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Family Languages: English, Mandarin
View listingTheresa Huggins, LPC
Ref 219114
Therapist focused on practical emotional tools
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingDr. Wanetta "Nita" Hughes Bise, LPC
Ref 7050
Therapist focused on practical support
Works with: Relationship, Trauma and abuse, Parenting Languages: English
View listingAnastasia Seale, BACP
Ref 173105
Compassionate integrative counsellor for everyday struggles
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Family Languages: English, Russian
View listingJennifer Hughes, NCPS
Ref 187476
Warm, practical therapy for stress and trauma
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingAnn Keith, LCSW
Ref 103213
Compassionate, practical therapy for life changes
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Grief Languages: English
View listingYumi Lemaster, LCSW
Ref 2633
Skilled, practical therapy for real-life struggles
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingPamela DiGangi, LMHC
Ref 26004
Calm, practical therapy for real-life struggles
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Family, Parenting Languages: English
View listingWilliam Signey, BACP
Ref 113870
Practical, person-focused counselling for life challenges
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Grief Languages: English
View listingMelody Hatter, LCSW, CSW, LISW
Ref 123632
Practical support for anxiety and life changes
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingJanet Hardin, LCSW
Ref 55726
Practical, compassionate support for life challenges
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Self esteem, Bipolar Languages: English
View listingMarni Tartack, LCSW
Ref 303765
Strength through practical steps
Works with: Grief, Self esteem, Depression Languages: English
View listingJonathan Wilkes, BACP
Ref 123145
Calm listening with practical skills
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Family, Grief Languages: English
View listingLaMeshia Lipscomb, LPC
Ref 106169
Warm, practical counseling focused on goals
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Relationship Languages: English
View listingRoselyn Robertson, BACP
Ref 202372
Sensitive, practical counselling for life’s difficult moments
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Family Languages: English
View listingJonetta Wakely, LPC
Ref 124539
Practical, listening-focused counseling for life challenges
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Family Languages: English
View listingCynthia Rumford-Jones, LCSW
Ref 101833
Calm practical therapist focused on progress
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Anger, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingChristine Fleming, NCPS
Ref 227435
Supportive counsellor for stress and grief
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Grief, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingWendy Mayfield, BACP
Ref 100144
Practical, steady support for everyday struggles
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Family Languages: English
View listingJonathan Stuart, NCPS
Ref 175272
Practical, respectful support for everyday struggles
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Self esteem, Career Languages: English
View listingChris Sergeant, BACP
Ref 104855
Practical support for stress and relationships
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Family Languages: English
View listingKianni Johnson, LMHC
Ref 279980
Practical therapy for strong emotions
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Anger Languages: English
View listingBrittany Elledge, LPCC, LMHC
Ref 11729
Practical, client-centered support for life changes
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingDawn Nunney, NCPS
Ref 97317
Compassionate person-centred counselling with practical tools
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Grief Languages: English
View listingWendi Makus, LPC
Ref 48129
Practical therapy for stress and relationships
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingJoseph Setchel, LMHC, LCMHC
Ref 58744
Practical, collaborative counseling for everyday struggles
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Depression, Coping with life changes Languages: English
View listingLiisa Hiltunen, PACFA
Ref 317033
Calm practical therapy with coaching focus
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingBrandi Kelly, LA Psychologist
Ref 201932
Experienced Louisiana psychologist focused on practical change
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Parenting, Depression Languages: English
View listingLatrice Scott, LMHC, LPC
Ref 15171
Supportive counselor for life changes
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Anger, Depression Languages: English
View listingCarol Broad, NCPS
Ref 128573
Calm, practical counselling for everyday challenges
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Grief Languages: English
View listingLaKeisha Blackwell, LPC
Ref 16819
Supportive counselor for stress and life changes
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Anger, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingShannon Mott, LCSW
Ref 108724
Compassionate, practical therapy for life transitions
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Family Languages: English
View listingJames Hagins, LPC
Ref 233524
Compassionate, practical therapy for life transitions
Works with: Grief, Self esteem, Career Languages: English
View listingShawn Alyea, LPC
Ref 14872
Compassionate counselor guiding practical change
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Grief, Intimacy-related issues Languages: English
View listingKendall Jones, LCSW
Ref 106192
Compassionate LCSW focused on practical support
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, LGBT, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingTammy Russell, LMHC
Ref 181426
Compassionate, practical therapy for real-life struggles
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingJennifer Blaney-Sutton, BACP
Ref 225637
Collaborative psychotherapist for adult challenges
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Self esteem, Depression Languages: English
View listingCory Nelson, LPC
Ref 77586
A steady, practical counselor focused on goals
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Grief Languages: English
View listingDr. Cassandra April, LCPC
Ref 44666
Compassionate, practical therapy for life's hard moments
Works with: Family, Trauma and abuse, Grief Languages: English
View listingLisa McCormack, BACP
Ref 256148
Practical, compassionate therapy for anxiety and life change
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Grief, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingEthel-Caroline Miman, AASW
Ref 259803
Gentle, practical therapy for life’s big challenges
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Grief Languages: English
View listingNicholas Taylor, BACP
Ref 242465
Practical person-centred counselling for everyday challenges
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Self esteem, Depression Languages: English
View listingKeith Chilton, LMFT
Ref 106189
Experienced marriage and family therapist
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Relationship Languages: English
View listingMore about cognitive behavioral therapy (cbt)
Understanding Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Its Principles
What CBT emphasizes
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a practical approach that centers on how your thoughts, emotions and behaviors interact. At its core, CBT suggests that patterns of thinking influence how you feel and act, and that by identifying and adjusting unhelpful thought patterns you can change emotional responses and behaviors. Sessions tend to emphasize present-day problems and concrete strategies rather than lengthy exploration of distant past events. This orientation makes CBT focused and often skills-based, with the therapist and you collaborating to set goals and test new ways of thinking and behaving.
Common techniques and framework
In CBT you will encounter techniques such as cognitive restructuring, behavioral experiments, exposure for certain fears and activity scheduling to increase engagement in valued activities. The approach often uses homework between sessions to practice skills and gather evidence to challenge unhelpful beliefs. While CBT has structured elements, therapists vary in how they apply them depending on your needs, preferences and cultural context. The flexible, problem-solving nature of CBT allows it to be adapted to many different concerns while maintaining a clear focus on measurable changes.
Issues and Concerns CBT Is Commonly Used For
Range of applications
CBT is commonly used to address a broad range of emotional and behavioral concerns. People seek CBT for persistent worry and anxiety, mood difficulties such as depressive symptoms, patterns of social avoidance and stress-related concerns. It is also used to address phobias, panic symptoms, obsessive thoughts and behaviors, sleep problems and issues with anger or interpersonal conflict. Because CBT emphasizes skill-building, it is often applied where you want practical tools to manage symptoms and reduce interference in daily life.
When CBT may be part of broader care
For some concerns, CBT is one component of a broader care plan. For example, it may be integrated with medication management under the guidance of a prescribing professional, or combined with other therapeutic approaches to address complex or long-standing difficulties. When seeking a therapist who lists CBT among their approaches, you can look at how they describe their methods and whether they combine CBT techniques with other strategies that match your needs. This helps you set realistic expectations about what sessions will emphasize and how progress may be measured.
What a Typical CBT Session Looks Like
Structure and pacing
CBT sessions often follow a predictable structure that helps you and the therapist make steady progress. A session typically begins with a brief check-in about how you have been since the last appointment, including any successes or difficulties with homework. You and the therapist then focus on a specific agenda item - a situation you want to understand better or a skill you want to practice. Time is usually set aside to summarize what was learned and to plan concrete practice tasks to try between sessions. This rhythm supports gradual skill development and keeps therapy oriented toward measurable change.
What you might do during and between sessions
During sessions you may practice identifying automatic thoughts, testing the evidence for a belief, or trying out behavioral experiments in imagination or role-play. Therapists often introduce short exercises to try in session and refine them before you use them in daily life. Between sessions you may be asked to keep a record of moods and thoughts, try a new behavior and note results, or carry out exposure exercises if addressing a fear. These between-session tasks are an integral part of CBT because they translate in-session learning into real-world experience.
How CBT Differs from Other Approaches
Focus on thoughts and behaviors
CBT differs from some other therapeutic approaches in its emphasis on the interaction of thinking, feeling and acting, and its orientation toward present-day problems and skills. While psychodynamic therapies may emphasize understanding historical patterns and unconscious processes, CBT tends to prioritize practical strategies for changing current patterns. Other approaches may center on emotion processing or relational dynamics; CBT remains distinct in its analytic approach to thoughts and its consistent use of behavioral experiments and homework.
Flexibility and integration
Although CBT has a structured backbone, many therapists integrate CBT techniques with elements from other modalities to better match your personal needs. For example, a therapist might combine CBT strategies with approaches that focus on meaning, acceptance or interpersonal patterns. When you review therapist profiles, noting how CBT is described in relation to other approaches can help you understand the likely balance of structure and exploration in sessions. This allows you to choose someone whose style aligns with how you prefer to work.
Who Benefits from CBT and How to Find the Right Therapist
Who tends to respond well to CBT
CBT can be a helpful fit if you are looking for a practical, skills-focused method to address specific challenges. If you prefer goal-oriented work, concrete strategies you can apply between sessions and measurable ways to track progress, CBT may appeal to you. It can work well for people who want an active partnership with their therapist and are willing to engage in exercises or homework. However, personal preference matters - some people prefer approaches that place greater emphasis on exploring emotions or relationships, so reflecting on your style is a useful first step.
How to evaluate therapist profiles
When searching for a therapist who lists CBT among their approaches, consider several practical elements in profiles. Read how therapists describe their use of CBT and whether they mention specific techniques that resonate with you. Look for information about credentials, languages spoken, areas of focus and experience with issues similar to yours. Pay attention to the therapist's description of their therapeutic style - whether they emphasize collaboration, structured skill-building or flexibility - and choose profiles where the approach and tone align with what you are seeking. If reading profiles leaves questions, many therapists include introductory information that clarifies how they blend CBT with other methods.
Making a fit with your needs
Finding the right match often involves thinking about logistical and personal factors. Consider what matters most to you beyond approach - such as session format, language preferences and cultural background - and use those filters when exploring profiles. You may also reflect on your goals for therapy and how you prefer to work toward them. Taking time to read multiple profiles and considering how each therapist describes CBT in practice will help you identify professionals who align with your expectations and who can offer the kind of support you want.