Cognitive Analytic Therapy
Cognitive analytic therapy, also known as CAT, is a talking therapy that mainly focuses on the way we relate to ourselves and to other people. It can help with a wide range of difficulties, for example:- anxiety, depression or low self-esteem. In addition to feeling repeatedly let down, hurt or rejected.
What can CAT help me with?
CAT is based on the idea that as children we cope with difficult situations we find ourselves in by developing strategies to manage them. These strategies, or patterns of how we think, feel and act, come about to help us cope with difficulties. They can be necessary for our emotional survival earlier in our life.
However, if we continue to use them even when they are no longer needed, these patterns may lead to difficulties. We may become stuck in these patterns and come to feel they are now problems themselves.
CAT shows you the way to change your learned attitudes and beliefs about yourself and others, and helps you focus on ways to make better choices. It can therefore help with;
- Depression
- Anxiety and fears
- Low self-esteem
- Harmful and Unhelpful Behaviours inc. Self Harm
- Relationship Problems inc. being let down, hurt or rejected
- Disordered Eating
What will the first session be like?
You will have the opportunity to find out how CAT can help you and ask any questions you may have about the therapy and your therapist. Your therapist will also want to know more about you and your goals for therapy.
What can I expect?
CAT is a bit like going on a journey with your therapist. You may be travelling back to your childhood, or other important times in your life, to think about your experiences and what you learned from them.
What is the focus?
CAT is an individual therapy that focuses on what a person brings to the therapy (target problems) and the deeper patterns of relating that underlie them. It is less concerned with traditional psychiatric symptoms, syndromes or labels.
How many sessions will I need?
CAT is a time limited therapy that is tailored to your individual needs and goals. The number of sessions will vary from person-to-person but 8, 16 0r 24 sessions is typical.
What preparation is needed?
You do not need to prepare for CAT. However, it may help to think through what you feel your main difficulties are and what you hope to gain from therapy. You also need to be prepared to make a commitment to attend regular weekly appointments.
What follow-up is needed?
You will usually be offered a follow-up appointment two to three months after your last session. This will give you the chance to review how things have gone for you after therapy has finished. If you have had 24 sessions, you may be offered a few more follow up sessions in order to ease out of the therapy a little more slowly.
Unsure if CAT is for you? Talk to one of our experts.
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