Cognitive Analytic Therapy
Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT) is an increasingly evidenced, short-term, focused approach, originally developed in the UK in the 1980s.
CAT integrates aspects of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and psychodynamic psychotherapies.
CAT is a therapeutic approach that derives from CBT and psychodynamic psychotherapies. This means that it focuses on current processes and patterns, looking at the ways individuals presently think, feel, and behave, whilst also taking account of the past and how present unhelpful patterns formed and developed.
It is a highly collaborative and relationally oriented approach. Therapy is client driven and the therapeutic relationship is considered important for change.
There is also a focus on how individuals relate to others, and how this also translates to other areas of life. This enlightens to how past and present relationships impact issues, and over time encourages alternative ways of responding, ones that will be more helpful to individuals’ wellbeing.
Phinity’s CAT therapists place a keen focus on the therapeutic relationship. This is intended to offer a facilitative space in which you can explore your difficulties, together with your therapist.
You will be guided toward identifying the issues you currently experience as problematic and understanding how they impact your life and wellbeing. CAT aims to help you get at the things that underpin your problems, specifically those rooted in earlier life and relationships. By reviewing these earlier dynamics, you can begin to understand how you related to others when experiencing difficult, intense, and perhaps at times, unmanageable feelings in order to survive.
This can help provide understanding of how these developed strategies may still be holding you back in life. Moreover, how you can ‘exit’ them by learning about other options you have, and new strategies you can take to improve your present life and relationships, and how you can carry this forward beyond therapy. CAT therapy is a time limited therapy and often concludes between 4 and 24 sessions, often around 16. We recommend 50-minute weekly sessions.
- Greater self-awareness about relating and relationships
- Reframe unhelpful patterns that hold you back
- An integrative approach, incorporating CBT and psychoanalysis for maximum benefit
- Short term and solution oriented
- Offers a healing therapeutic relationship
- Highly collaborative focus, encouraging development of autonomy and confidence
- Structured and creative at the same time
CAT can help with several mental health problems, including depression, bipolar, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorders, stress, historic abuse, neglect, trauma, eating disorders, addictions, low self-care, low self-esteem, self-harm, borderline personality disorder, bereavement and loss, learning difficulties, anger issues, and relationship and sexual difficulties.
We offer CAT therapy in Birmingham. Phinity Therapy also serve other cities and countries through our network of qualified therapists. Online therapy is also available, catering for those who cannot reach our clinic or have busy schedules.
Make a commitment to taking control and living the life you want and deserve. Start by booking your Free Initial Consultation Today and speak to one of our friendly principal therapists about your concerns and desired goals.
You can alternatively fill in our contact form located on our About Us page, or give us a call.
*Due to limited time slot availability caused by high demand, we now offer only one Free Initial Consultation for prospective clients, further conversations are charged at our normal rate.
We are proud to connect you with highly experienced practitioners who can help with almost any psychological issue.
Addiction is very common and there are various reasons that people become addicted to things. Addiction can be chemical, for instance alcohol addiction. Or it can be psychological and behavioural, for example shopping-addiction, internet-addiction, or porn-addiction. In fact, people can become addicted to almost anything. But help is available.
Drinking alcohol from time to time is normal but when used in excess (including bingeing), alcohol consumption places all organ systems at risk. Over consumption is especially damaging to the brain, heart, pancreas, liver, and immune system. It can also impact sleep, mental health, and increases risk of cancer. But what exactly is alcoholism?
It’s normal to feel angry sometimes, and it should be said that anger in and of itself is not a ‘negative’ or ‘bad’ emotion, it has its purpose. If however, it’s impacting your life in a negative way then it may be useful to learn about the help available.
Life is challenging, so it’s normal to feel low at times. If however, you’re feeling sad, apathetic, and hopeless for a prolonged period, you may be depressed, and this impacts functioning. And although depression is a natural response to difficulties, it can be treated.
Some might say that at the heart of most therapeutic issues is low self-esteem (LSE). LSE seems to impact most people, even those who might appear confident. But what is it exactly, and why does it affect so many people?
Relationships can be tricky at the best of times, and it’s normal to go through difficulties. But relationship counselling is available to help you navigate the challenges and enjoy a more meaningful connection with your significant other.
Our specialised culture lives and breathes human psychology & care.
We do everything thoughtfully, with you in mind.
Which is why at Phinity you get Hands with Heart care.
Highest Quality Training, Accreditation & Experience
Individualised Approach Unique to You
Take the next step and Book Your Free Consultation Today!
Speak to our lead therapist who will carefully listen to your concerns, to understand what you want from therapy. If you decide to opt into therapy, we will match you to the most suitable practitioner so you can effectively achieve your goals.
PTSD is quite a complex condition. Read this article to learn how it might present, using the example of Thomas Shelby.
Case Studies Series(2)
This blog discusses the recent tragic loss of ASTRO’s Moon Bin & why KPOP has such high incidents of suicide.
Suicide(1)
Ever wondered how psychotherapy might support you or your loved one when trying to quit smoking? Read on to learn more…
Addictions(4)
What does psychology say about our True and False selves? And how in touch are you with your True self? Watch to learn.
This video explores the various eating disorder types. It’s important to note that eating disorders are serious mental illnesses that can have severe physical and psychological consequences, and that seeking professional help is essential for recovery.
This video explains some reasons why relationships are so hard. Also how we would work in counselling to help you work through problems.
Rehanna discusses how to live well and long, according to a client case study, and a Harvard study!
Watch and learn how COVID affects us emotionally and mentally, and how you can take control when this happens!
This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.