
Feeling overwhelmed or stuck in your thoughts? Download my free guided meditation script and learn the Panning Out Technique—a simple but powerful CBT exercise that helps you zoom out from worry, reduce emotional overwhelm and see the bigger picture. I use this exercise myself most evenings, and it's one of my favourite techniques to teach clients during stressful times. Click the button below to get your free PDF and begin using it today.
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If anxiety is affecting your work, relationships or peace of mind, you're in the right place. I'm Karen Khan, an experienced UK Cognitive Behavioural Therapist, and I've helped thousands of people learn practical CBT techniques to break free from anxiety and regain confidence. Explore my free resources, guided exercises and therapy services, and take your first step towards a calmer, more fulfilling life.
FAQS
1. What is online Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)?
Online Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based psychological treatment delivered via secure video calls or digital platforms. It focuses on how your thoughts, beliefs, and attitudes affect your feelings and behaviour. By identifying unhelpful thinking patterns, online CBT helps you develop practical coping strategies to manage daily challenges.
2. Is online CBT as effective as face-to-face therapy ?
Yes, extensive clinical research shows that online CBT is just as effective as traditional in-person sessions for managing anxiety, panic, and stress. Many clients find that accessing therapy from the comfort of their own home makes it easier to open up and consistently attend sessions.
3. How do online CBT sessions work?
We meet via a secure, confidential video platform. Each session lasts 50 to 60 minutes. Together, we will look at specific problems you are facing, break them down into their component parts (thoughts, feelings, and actions), and collaborate on practical tools you can practice between sessions.
4. What tech setup do I need for virtual CBT sessions?
You only need a reliable internet connection, a smartphone, tablet, or computer with a working camera and microphone, and a private, quiet space where you won't be interrupted. There is no complicated software to download; you simply click a secure link to join our session.
5. Can I get CBT online via the NHS?
Yes, the NHS offers talking therapies, including online CBT, through local Talking Therapies services (formerly IAPT). However, NHS waiting lists can often be quite long. Choosing a private online CBT therapist allows you to bypass waiting lists and begin your recovery journey almost immediately.
6. Can online CBT help with my severe anxiety?
Absolutely. Online CBT is highly effective for various forms of anxiety, including generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety, health anxiety, and panic attacks. It gives you concrete tools to interrupt racing thoughts, quieten physical symptoms of panic, and reclaim control over your life.
7. How do I know if CBT is the right type of therapy for me?
If you feel trapped in repetitive cycles of worry, frequently experience "worst-case scenario" thinking, or notice that fear is stopping you from doing things you enjoy, CBT is likely a great fit. It is a highly collaborative, proactive therapy that focuses on the present rather than dwelling solely on the past.
8. What other conditions can be treated with online CBT?
Beyond anxiety, online CBT is widely used to treat depression, work-related stress, insomnia and sleep issues, low self-esteem, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and difficulties managing anger or grief.
9. Is online therapy safe if I am in a crisis?
Online therapy is ideal for managing moderate to severe anxiety and stress, but it is not a crisis or emergency service. If you are experiencing severe distress, self-harm, or suicidal thoughts, please contact your GP immediately, call NHS 111, or reach out to the Samaritans on 116 123.
10. How many online CBT sessions will I need?
Because CBT is a structured, short-term therapy, most clients see significant improvement within 6 to 20 weekly sessions. The exact duration depends entirely on your specific goals and the complexity of the issues we are working through together.
11. How often should I attend therapy sessions?
To get the most out of CBT, sessions are usually held once a week, especially at the beginning. This regular rhythm helps you build momentum, try out new techniques in your daily life, and review your progress consistently.
12. Are private online CBT sessions expensive in the UK?
Private online CBT fees vary depending on the therapist's experience and location, typically ranging from £60 to £120+ per session across the UK. Because online therapy eliminates travel costs and clinic room overheads, it is often a more accessible and cost-effective option than in-person care.
13. Will I have to do homework between sessions?
Yes, but think of it as "home practice" rather than a chore. The real magic of CBT happens between our sessions when you apply the tools—like thought diaries, breathing exercises, or structured daily reflections—to real-world situations.
14. What happens during the first initial consultation?
Our first session is a gentle assessment. It’s a chance for you to share what you've been struggling with and what you hope to achieve. We will explore your current symptoms and map out a tailored plan to ensure online CBT is the right path forward for you.
15. Are my online therapy sessions confidential?
Yes, strictly confidential. I use a fully GDPR-compliant, encrypted video platform designed specifically for healthcare professionals. Your personal data, notes, and everything discussed in our sessions are securely protected under UK data privacy laws.
16. Can I use digital toolkits or workbooks alongside my sessions?
Yes, incorporating structured digital toolkits, daily journals, or a 28-day anxiety workbook is an excellent way to supercharge your progress. It provides a daily anchor and a tangible resource to keep you focused on your goals between live calls.
17. Can I fit online CBT around a busy work schedule?
One of the biggest benefits of virtual therapy is its flexibility. Without a commute, you can easily schedule your sessions early in the morning, during a lunch break, or later in the evening, making it highly compatible with a busy lifestyle.
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