Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) in Edgbaston, Birmingham
CBT is a practical, structured talking therapy that helps you notice unhelpful thinking patterns, change avoidant behaviours, and build day-to-day coping skills. At OneMedicine in Edgbaston, Birmingham, we offer CBT for adults, adolescents and childrenm in-clinic or via secure video, so you can start making meaningful progress in a way that fits your life.
What is CBT?
CBT focuses on the link between thoughts, feelings, body sensations and actions. By learning to spot patterns and test them against reality, you develop tools to reduce anxiety, lift mood and manage stress.
Choose Appointment
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
What to Expect from Your Therapy Journey
Your CBT Journey
Getting Started
A thorough assessment to understand your goals, history and current challenges. We'll agree what "better" looks like to you.
Your Therapy Plan
A personalised plan—typically weekly or fortnightly sessions—with home practice between sessions so gains carry into everyday life.
Active Skills Training
You'll learn and try tools such as thought-challenging, exposure, behavioural activation, problem-solving and sleep strategies.
Review and Maintain
We'll review outcomes, refine your toolkit and create a relapse-prevention plan so improvements last.
What CBT Can Help With
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is an evidence-based approach that helps you develop practical skills to manage:
- Anxiety and worry patterns
- Depression and low mood
- Stress and overwhelm
- Sleep difficulties
- Relationship challenges
- Work or study pressures
Therapy Approach
Our CBT is collaborative, practical and focused on your specific goals. We work together to identify patterns and develop strategies that fit your life and values.
Skills You'll Develop
Thought Challenging
Identify and reframe unhelpful thinking patterns
Exposure Techniques
Gradually face fears in a supported way
Behavioural Activation
Increase engagement in meaningful activities
Problem-Solving
Structured approach to life challenges
Sleep Strategies
Improve sleep quality and routine
Relapse Prevention
Maintain progress long-term
Benefits of CBT
- Evidence-based - Proven effective for various mental health challenges
- Practical focus - Learn skills you can use in daily life
- Time-limited - Typically 6-20 sessions for lasting change
- Collaborative - You're an active partner in your therapy
- Goal-oriented - Clear focus on what matters to you
- Skills for life - Tools you can use long after therapy ends
Why choose our Edgbaston private GP clinic?
Online and in-clinic appointments
Choose appointments at our Edgbaston practice or join securely by video—useful for busy schedules, mobility needs or when you prefer to be at home.
GP-led, joined-up care
CBT at our clinic can be combined with GP support from Dr Ibrar Ahmed. Where appropriate, we can discuss medication options, coordinate with psychiatry or psychology, and provide letters for schools, universities or employers.
How many sessions will I need?
Therapy is tailored to you. Many CBT courses span 6–12 sessions, while some goals benefit from a longer plan. We’ll discuss options upfront and review progress regularly.
Is CBT right for me?
CBT is highly effective for many difficulties, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all approach.
Points to consider
It’s active and structured—practice between sessions matters
Some people may need trauma-focused work first or alongside CBT
If your preference is open-ended exploration, other therapies may suit you better
If CBT isn’t the best fit, we’ll explain why and recommend alternatives.
Start CBT in Edgbaston
If you’re ready to take a practical, step-by-step approach to feeling better, we’re here to help. Book an initial consultation with Dr Ibrar Ahmed’s team in Edgbaston or arrange a secure video appointment to explore whether CBT is right for you.
Common questions our patients ask
How does CBT differ from counselling or psychotherapy?
CBT is time-limited and skills-focused, targeting the links between thoughts, feelings and behaviours. Counselling and other therapies may explore broader themes or past experiences in different ways.
Is online CBT effective?
For many people, yes—research suggests outcomes are comparable to in-person sessions when the therapy is structured and you’re engaged.
What happens in a typical session?
You’ll review progress, learn or practise a skill, plan between-session tasks, and check how this aligns with your goals. Sessions usually last around 50 minutes.
Can children benefit from CBT?
Absolutely. Techniques are adapted to the child’s age and learning style, with parents/carers involved as appropriate.
Do I need a diagnosis to start CBT?
No. We treat the difficulties you’re experiencing, whether or not there’s a formal diagnosis.
Can CBT be combined with medication?
Yes. Some people benefit from a combined approach. We’ll discuss options and monitor progress safely.
