Shows
Let's Talk about CBT- Practice MattersProf Heather O’Mahen and Dr Sarah Healy on CBT for anxiety and depression in the perinatal periodIn this episode of Let’s Talk About CBT- Practice Matters, host Rachel Handley is joined by two leading experts in perinatal mental health- Professor Heather O’Mahen and Dr Sarah Healy. Together, they explore the unique challenges, adaptations, and opportunities that come with providing effective CBT for individuals during the perinatal period. Heather and Sarah draw on their clinical experience, policy work, and research to discuss why perinatal-specific approaches are needed, the prevalence and impact of perinatal mental health difficulties, and how therapists can adapt CBT to meet the needs of diverse parents and families. The conve...2025-07-151h 27
Let's Talk About CBTLet’s talk about…the Mental Health JediIn this episode, Helen Macdonald speaks with Chris Frederick- advocate, suicide survivor, founder of Project Soul Stride, and self-described "Mental Health Jedi." Chris shares his deeply personal journey, from childhood trauma and racial adversity to becoming a mental health advocate and what helped his recovery- and the things that didn’t. Resources & Support: If you or someone you know needs urgent help, reach out to Samaritans at 116 123 (UK) or visit samaritans.org Brent Recovery College- https://www.cnwl.nhs.uk/services/recovery-and-wellbeing-college The Listening Place- https://listeningplace.org.uk/ Ja...2025-07-1039 min
Let's Talk about CBT- Research MattersHow to treat someone suffering with PTSD following rape in adulthood with Dr Kerry YoungIn this episode, Steph Curnow is joined by consultant clinical psychologist Dr Kerry Young to discuss the paper "How to Treat Someone Suffering with PTSD Following Rape in Adulthood", published in The Cognitive Behaviour Therapist. Kerry shares the motivation behind the paper and reflects on over two decades of clinical experience in trauma services. Listeners will gain insight into: Why evidence-based trauma-focused therapy for PTSD following rape is so effective Common myths that prevent therapists from engaging in this work Practical guidance for assessment and treatment using CT-PTSD The importance of addressing dissociation, self-blame, a...2025-06-1242 min
Let's Talk about CBT- Practice MattersBefriending the naughty black dog…. Prof Barney Dunn on learning to live well alongside depressionIn this episode, Rachel talks with Professor Barney Dunn, clinical psychologist and researcher at the University of Exeter, about his work on Augmented Depression Therapy (ADepT) a novel approach to treating depression that targets anhedonia (difficulty experiencing pleasure) and aims to boost wellbeing. Barney shares personal and professional insights into why and how traditional CBT might be augmented to actively help people rediscover joy and meaning in life. He explains how ADepT, based on systematic research, integrates cognitive behavioural principles with techniques from ACT, mindfulness, strengths-based CBT and more, all aimed at helping clients live well alongside d...2025-05-291h 16
Let's Talk About CBTLet’s Talk About…Digital CBT and Cultural ConnectionIn this latest episode of Let’s Talk About CBT, host Helen Macdonald is joined by two international guests- Tafi Mazikana and Sherrie Steyn who share their journey from CBT service user and therapist to CBT innovators. Tafi, originally from Zimbabwe, opens up about his experiences with anxiety while working in a high-pressured job in finance and how a digital CBT intervention through IAPT (now known as NHS Talking Therapies) changed his life. He talks candidly about the cultural stigma around mental health, what it was like to try therapy for the first time, and his realisation th...2025-05-2845 min
Let's Talk about CBT- Practice Matters"Don't believe everything you think..."- Prof Steve Hollon on cognitive therapy for depression- Part 2In the second part of this episode with Professor Steve Hollon, we go beyond theory into the heart of applying cognitive therapy for depression in real-world settings. Steve shares what therapy really looks like across the spectrum from relatively straightforward to deeply complex clients and how therapists can stay grounded and effective, even when things feel messy. Resources and links Cognitive Therapy of Depression (Second Edition) Find out more about Steve and his research here OXCADAT: A wealth of useful videos and therapist resources for social anxiety, PTSD and...2025-04-2546 min
Let's Talk about CBT- Practice Matters"Don't believe everything you think..."- Prof Steve Hollon on cognitive therapy for depression- Part 1In the first instalment of this special two part episode, Rachel Handley talks to Professor Steve Hollon, international expert on the prevention and treatment of depression and co-author of the second edition of Cognitive Therapy of Depression about how we understand and treat depression. Steve shares what first drew him to the field, his early encounters with Aaron T. Beck and the rise of cognitive therapy, and how insights from evolutionary biology, psychology and neurobiology can enrich our understanding of depression. Next time: In Part 2, Professor Hollon discusses how CBT can be applied to a w...2025-04-2548 min
Let's Talk about CBT- Research MattersIs it time for a more individual approach to adolescent eating disorder treatment – with Dr Daniel WilsonIn this episode of Let’s Talk about CBT- Research Matters, Steph speaks with Dr Daniel Wilson, a clinical psychologist and researcher based in Brisbane, Australia. Dan is the lead author of the paper “CBT-E following discontinued FBT for adolescents with eating disorders: time for a more individual approach?” published in The Cognitive Behaviour Therapist. Steph and Dan explore key findings from the study, which compared the effectiveness of CBT-E (enhanced cognitive behavioural therapy) for young people who had previously discontinued FBT (family-based treatment) versus those who had not tried FBT at all. The research offers important insight...2025-04-1622 min
Let's Talk About CBTLet’s talk about…. mental fitness in sportsIn this episode of Let’s Talk About CBT, Helen Macdonald speaks with Phil Cooper, mental health nurse and co-founder of the charity State of Mind Sport, and Ian Knott, former professional rugby league player and State of Mind presenter. Phil shares how State of Mind was born out of tragedy and developed into an award-winning mental fitness programme, now reaching thousands of athletes across the UK and beyond. Ian talks candidly about his experience of severe injury, depression, and suicidal thoughts after retiring from sport, and how CBT helped him to rebuild his life. We...2025-04-1443 min
Let's Talk About CBTLet’s Talk about CBT: A solid return on investmentIn this special episode celebrating World CBT Day 2025, we explore this year’s theme: CBT: A Solid Return on Investment. Host Helen Macdonald, Senior Clinical Advisor at BABCP, is joined by a range of voices reflecting on the impact, value, and future of CBT. We hear from: Dr. Adrian Whittington, National Clinical Lead for Psychological Professions at NHS England, about the rollout and outcomes of NHS Talking Therapies. Dr. Stirling Moorey, BABCP President, on the historical development of CBT and its increasing relevance and recognition over the decades. Nic, a former CBT client, who shares how the...2025-04-0758 min
Let's Talk about CBT- Practice Matters“I’m forever bursting bubbles (or perhaps not)…” Kim Wright and Tom Richardson on treating Bipolar DisorderIn this episode of Let’s Talk About CBT- Practice Matters, Rachel Handley talks to two expert guests – Professor Kim Wright from the University of Exeter and Associate Professor Tom Richardson from the University of Southampton – about bipolar disorder and the role of CBT in supporting people with this diagnosis. Tom and Kim share their extensive clinical and research experience, alongside insights from Tom’s own lived experience of bipolar disorder. They discuss common myths, the importance of timely and accurate diagnosis, and how CBT can support people with bipolar in a meaningful and collaborative way. They...2025-03-291h 22
Let's Talk about CBT- Practice MattersUnderstanding and Treating Eating Disorders with Dr. Rebecca MurphyIn this episode of Let's Talk About CBT: Practice Matters, Rachel Handley is joined by Dr. Rebecca Murphy, a clinical psychologist and researcher specialising in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for eating disorders. Together, they explore the complexities of eating disorders, effective treatment approaches, and ways to improve accessibility to evidence-based interventions. Resources & Further Learning: Visit cbte.co for information on CBT-E, training, and resources. Learn more about Rebecca’s research at the Centre for Research on Eating Disorders at Oxford (CREDO). The CREDO Contributors' Group is for individuals who are interested in our work, including people with...2025-02-221h 15
Let's Talk about CBT- Research MattersFlashforward Mental Imagery in Adolescents with Dr. Alex Lau-ZhuIn this episode of Research Matters, host Steph Curnow talks to Dr. Alex Lau-Zhu, lead author of the paper “Flashforward Mental Imagery in Adolescents: Exploring Developmental Differences and Associations with Mental Health,” published in Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy. Alex discusses his research into flashforward mental imagery—vivid mental pictures of future events that can be intrusive and emotionally powerful. We explore how these flashforwards relate to anxiety in adolescents, why mental imagery isn’t always a focus in CBT, and how young people may benefit from imagery-based interventions. Guest Bio: Dr. Alex Lau-Zhu is an MRC...2025-02-1828 min
Let's Talk About CBTLet’s Talk About…CBT for Gambling AddictionIn this episode of Let’s Talk About CBT, Helen Macdonald speaks with James from the charity Gambling with Lives about the serious impact of gambling addiction, its links to mental health, and the role of CBT in recovery. What We Cover in This Episode: 🔹 How gambling has changed – From a backstreet niche to an industry making billions through addictive products. 🔹 Gambling addiction and mental health – How gambling harms go beyond financial loss and can lead to depression, anxiety, and even suicide. 🔹 The neuroscience of gambling – How gambling rewires the brain, making it difficult to stop. 🔹 Recognis...2025-02-1445 min
Let's Talk about CBT- Practice MattersDon’t let the perfect be the enemy of the good...Andrew Beck on Transcultural CBTIn this episode of Let’s Talk About CBT – Practice Matters, host Rachel Handley speaks with Andrew Beck, consultant clinical psychologist, CBT therapist, and author of Transcultural Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Anxiety and Depression. Andrew is a leading expert in culturally adapted therapies and a former president of the BABCP. Together, they explore the importance of culture, language, ethnicity, and identity in therapy and how these factors influence mental health, therapy engagement and treatment outcomes. Andrew shares his personal and professional journey into transcultural CBT and he and Rachel discuss practical strategies for therapists to approach conversations about...2025-02-061h 15
Let's Talk About CBTLet's talk about…how CBT can help manage living with long term health conditions and traumaIn this episode, Helen talks with Lizzie, a beauty content creator and disability advocate, and Bex, a CBT therapist, about Lizzie’s journey navigating living with long term health conditions, trauma and the transformative impact of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). Lizzie shares her experiences living with Crohn's disease, POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome), and hypermobility spectrum disorder, alongside the emotional challenges of managing these conditions. She discusses her initial scepticism about therapy and how CBT helped her address anxiety, PTSD, and prioritising her own well-being. Bex offers insights into the therapeutic process, addressing common misconceptions ab...2025-01-1553 min
Let's Talk about CBT- Practice Matters“What young people want more than anything is social connection” Dr Eleanor Leigh on treating social anxiety in young peopleIn this episode of Practice Matters, host Rachel Handley is joined by Dr. Eleanor Leigh, Clinical Psychologist and Associate Professor at the University of Oxford to discuss social anxiety disorder in young people. Eleanor shares her journey into this field, highlights the challenges of recognising and treating social anxiety in young people, and offers hope through emerging evidence-based interventions, including tailored cognitive therapy for adolescents. Resources Mentioned: OXCADAT Resources: Free therapy resources, manuals, and videos for cognitive therapy. CAMY Website: Learn more about Dr. Leigh's research group focused on young people's mental health. Overcoming Social Anxiety...2025-01-091h 18
Let's Talk about CBT- Practice MattersCBT, Cancer and Coping with Dr Stirling MooreyThis episode, Rachel talks to Dr. Stirling Moorey about the role of CBT in supporting individuals with cancer. Dr Moorey is a consultant psychiatrist and a leading expert in psycho-oncology as well as the new BABCP President. He has worked extensively in the field of CBT and cancer since the 1980s, contributing to research, clinical practice, and supervision. They discuss how not everyone with cancer will need r want psychological interventions but how CBT and learning coping strategies can be effective for those who do and how therapists can look after themselves when working in this emotionally...2024-12-061h 22
Let's Talk About CBTLet’s talk about…how CBT can help with living well with painIn this episode of Let’s Talk About CBT, Helen Macdonald speaks with Pete Moore, author and creator of The Pain Toolkit, about his journey of living with long-term pain. Pete shares his experiences of how he was able to move from being overwhelmed by pain to learning CBT techniques and strategies which helped him learn to manage it effectively, regain control, and even help others do the same. Useful links: The Pain Toolkit website Live well with pain website Listen to our sister podcasts: Let’s Talk About CBT - Pract...2024-11-2841 min
Let's Talk about CBT- Practice MattersDr Fiona Challacombe on CBT for perinatal OCD and giving parents back their joyIn this episode, host Rachel Handley sits down with Dr. Fiona Challacombe, a leading expert in perinatal anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), to explore the impact of OCD on new and expecting parents. They discuss why new parents are particularly vulnerable to intrusive thoughts, how CBT techniques can effectively treat perinatal OCD, and the importance of dispelling myths around maternal mental health. Fiona also offers practical advice for therapists working with clients presenting with perinatal OCD, including how to approach and adapt exposure therapy sensitively during pregnancy. If you liked this episode and want to hear more...2024-11-071h 11
Let's Talk about CBT- Research Matters‘Crossing the reflective bridge’: how therapists synthesise personal and professional development from self-practice/self-reflection during CBT training...with Vickie PresleyIn this episode, host Steph Curnow interviews Vickie Presley, the lead author of a paper titled "Crossing the Reflective Bridge: How Therapists Synthesize Personal and Professional Development through Self-Practice/Self-Reflection (SP/SR) during CBT Training", published in The Cognitive Behaviour Therapist. Vickie shares her insights from the research, discussing the importance of reflective practice in CBT training and how it shapes therapists’ professional growth and personal awareness. If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Follow us on Twitter at @BABCPpodcasts or on Instagram . Share your feedback or episode suggestions by...2024-11-0431 min
Let's Talk About CBTLet’s talk about…how getting active, being in nature and having CBT can help after you’ve had a babyIn this episode of Let’s Talk About CBT, host Helen Macdonald speaks with Sarah, Sally, and Leanne about Sarah’s experience of having Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) after giving birth. They explore how CBT helped Sarah regain control during a challenging postnatal period, addressing struggles such as insomnia, anxiety, and adjusting to new motherhood. Sarah shares her journey of balancing therapy with the therapeutic benefits of movement and time spent in nature. CBT therapists Sally and Leanne discuss the powerful combination of therapy, physical activity, and connecting with nature for improving mental health. Useful links...2024-10-2543 min
Let's Talk about CBT- Practice Matters"Your Gran was right! All you need is a good night's sleep"...Prof Colin Espie on CBT for sleep disordersIn this episode, Rachel talks to Professor Colin Espie about cognitive behavioural interventions for insomnia. They discuss the importance of sleep, common misconceptions about sleep and the importance of trusting in the body's natural sleep processes. Colin highlights the high prevalence of sleep disorders and comorbidity with other mental health conditions that CBT therapists will commonly be treating. They discuss factors that maintain sleep problems and key evidence-based and effective approaches to addressing these obstacles that might help you and your patients to get a good night’s sleep! If you liked this episode and want to hea...2024-10-101h 13
Let's Talk about CBT- Research MattersTen misconceptions about trauma-focused CBT for PTSD with Dr Nick GreyIn this episode of Let’s Talk about CBT – Research Matters, host Steph Curnow speaks with Dr. Nick Grey, a consultant clinical psychologist with extensive experience in anxiety disorders and PTSD. Together, they discuss the paper “Ten Misconceptions about Trauma-Focused CBT for PTSD,” co-authored by Nick and published in the Cognitive Behaviour Therapist. The paper addresses common myths and challenges in trauma-focused CBT, offering insights for both therapists and researchers in the field. Key misconceptions discussed include: Misconception 1: “Trauma-focused treatments are not suitable for complex or multiple trauma.” Misconception 2: “Stabilisation is always needed before memory work.”...2024-10-0144 minLet's Talk about CBT- Practice Matters“I'm unlikable, I'm weird, I'm different from other people…” Prof David Clark on social anxiety and some of the negative beliefs that patients may have about themselvesIn this conversation, Professor David Clark discusses his work using Cognitive Behaviour Therapy to treat Social Anxiety Disorder. He and Rachel talk about the Cognitive Behavioural model of Social Anxiety Disorder, considering the factors that contribute to maintaining this debilitating problem experienced by many people and the evidenced-based approaches to treating it. The conversation also delves into the economic impact of evidence-based psychological therapies and the importance of delivering high-quality, evidence-based care. If you liked this episode and want to hear more, please do subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. You can follow us at @BABCPpodcasts on...2024-09-121h 10
Let's Talk about CBT- Research Matters“Things that shouldn’t be”: Understanding the meaning of violation in OCD and trauma with Sandra KrauseLet’s Talk about CBT - Research Matters is a brand-new podcast from the BABCP, hosted by Steph Curnow, Managing Editor for the BABCP Journals Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy and The Cognitive Behaviour Therapist. In this episode, Steph talks with Sandra Krause a senior PhD student at Concordia University. Sandra is lead author on the paper “‘Things that shouldn’t be’: a qualitative investigation of violation-related appraisals in individuals with OCD and/or trauma histories” with her co-author Adam Radomsky published earlier this year in Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy. Sandra explains what is known about the cognitive model for me...2024-08-2132 min
Let's Talk about CBT- Practice Matters“I’ve had my hands down a lot of toilets…” Prof Paul Salkovskis on why CBT therapists might find themselves doing some unusual things to help people with OCDIn this episode Rachel talks with Professor Paul Salkovskis about using CBT to treat people with OCD. They discuss the Cognitive Behavioural model for OCD and how OCD develops and is maintained, debunk some common myths about OCD and the effectiveness of CBT in treating OCD. Paul and Rachel also chat about some of the more unusual techniques they have used when helping patients with OCD… Whether you’re a seasoned therapist or new to the field, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge about OCD and its treatment. Paul’s decades of experience and his ability to exp...2024-08-151h 03
Let's Talk about CBT- Research MattersCBT in a Time of Climate and Biodiversity Crises- Dr Liz Marks on the upcoming Climate Change Special IssueIn this episode, Steph interviews Liz Marks about the upcoming special issue on climate change in the Cognitive Behaviour Therapist. They discuss the origins of the special issue and chat a bit about the Climate Change Special Interest Group (SIG) within the BABCP. Liz also gives an overview of all papers in the special issue, covering topics such as eco distress, transdiagnostic approaches, compassion-focused therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, environmental identity, active hope, and climate cafes. Useful links: tCBT Special Issue - CBT in a Time of Climate and Biodiversity Crises ...2024-07-2332 min
Let's Talk about CBT- Practice MattersMenopause & CBT. Professor Myra Hunter on why one size doesn’t fit all…In this episode, Rachel talks with Professor Myra Hunter about the role of CBT in addressing some of the troublesome symptoms of menopause and the evidence base supporting its use. The conversation emphasises the need to engage women and acknowledge their unique experiences of the menopause, as well as the importance of an evidence-based, biopsychosocial understanding of these experiences. It highlights the opportunity for women to revisit positively their sense of self and identity during this stage of life. If you liked this episode and want to hear more, please do subscribe wherever you get your podcasts...2024-07-1752 min
Let's Talk about CBT- Research MattersDr Jake Camp on gender and sexuality-minoritised adolescents in DBTLet’s Talk about CBT - Research Matters is a brand-new podcast from the BABCP, hosted by Steph Curnow, Managing Editor for the BABCP Journals Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy and The Cognitive Behaviour Therapist. In this episode, Steph talks to Dr Jake Camp a clinical psychologist and DBT therapist about their paper “Gender- and sexuality-minoritised adolescents in DBT: a reflexive thematic analysis of minority-specific treatment targets and experience” published in the Cognitive Behaviour Therapist. This study aimed to understand the experiences of GSM young people in DBT and what difficulties and dilemmas associated with their gender...2024-06-2847 min
Let's Talk about CBT- Practice MattersWhy trauma therapists are like Dr Pimple Popper....Richard Meiser-Stedman on working with children with PTSDLet’s Talk about CBT has a new sister podcast: Let's Talk about CBT: Practice Matters with a brand-new host Dr Rachel Handley, CBT therapist and Consultant Clinical Psychologist. Each episode Rachel will be talking to an expert in CBT who will share their knowledge, experience, research and professional and personal insights to help you enhance your practice and help your patients more effectively. Whether you are a novice or a seasoned clinician we hope you will find something to stimulate thought and encourage you in your work. This episode Rachel is talking to Prof. Ric...2024-05-2256 min