Cognitive behavioural therapist

Cognitive behavioural therapists help patients change negative patterns of thinking or behaviour with talking therapy.

In this guide

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

You could work with individuals or groups to:

  • assess if a client will benefit from cognitive behavioural therapy
  • discuss therapy plans, build trust and teach skills and techniques
  • focus on what a client wants to change and encourage them to talk
  • give advice to other health professionals and talk to family members
  • keep records and follow data protection and confidentiality rules

Working environment

You could work at a health centre, in an NHS or private hospital, in the community, in a prison or in a therapy clinic.

Your working environment may be emotionally demanding.

Career path and progression

With experience you could:

  • supervise other cognitive behavioural therapists
  • work as an independent practitioner and set up your own practice to see clients privately
  • specialise in teaching or research for a healthcare trust, college or university

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • counselling skills including active listening and a non-judgemental approach
  • knowledge of psychology
  • the ability to understand people’s reactions
  • active listening skills
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • sensitivity and understanding
  • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

Most relevant

  • Psychology - Cognitive behavioural therapists work directly with how people think, feel, and behave – the core subject matter of psychology. They use psychological models to understand why clients develop negative thought patterns and apply evidence-based techniques to help them change.
  • Biology - Cognitive behavioural therapists need to understand how the brain and nervous system influence mood, stress responses, and behaviour. Knowledge of topics like neuroscience, hormones, and the body's fight-or-flight response helps them explain to clients what is happening physically when they experience anxiety or depression.

Also relevant

  • Sociology - Cognitive behavioural therapists work with people from all backgrounds and need to understand how social factors like poverty, family dynamics, and cultural expectations can affect mental health. Sociology helps them see the bigger picture of what shapes a client's experiences and challenges.
  • English Language - Cognitive behavioural therapists rely heavily on precise, clear communication – both in therapy sessions and in the detailed records they must keep. They need to listen carefully to how clients express themselves and choose their own words thoughtfully to build trust and guide conversations.
  • Mathematics - Cognitive behavioural therapists use research evidence and outcome measures to assess whether therapy is working. Understanding statistics helps them interpret clinical studies and use standardised questionnaires to track a client's progress over time.
  • Philosophy - Cognitive behavioural therapists help clients examine their beliefs, assumptions, and reasoning – skills closely related to philosophical thinking. Understanding logic, ethics, and how people construct meaning helps therapists challenge unhelpful thought patterns in a structured way.
  • Religious Studies - Cognitive behavioural therapists work with clients whose beliefs, values, and worldviews are shaped by religion and spirituality. Understanding different faith traditions helps them approach sensitive topics with respect and tailor therapy to each individual's perspective.

How to become

You can get into this job through a university course or by applying directly.

You'll usually need an accredited postgraduate course in cognitive behavioural therapy and experience of working in mental health.

To do a postgraduate course, you'll usually need a degree in a health and social care subject like:

  • mental health nursing
  • social work
  • counselling
  • art therapy
  • psychology

You might be able to get onto a postgraduate course without a degree if you have the knowledge, skills and attitudes required by the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP).

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

More Information

You'll find it useful to get experience of working in mental health.

You could:

If you're already a qualified healthcare professional, you might be able to do cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) training with the NHS.

You could apply for roles like trainee psychological wellbeing practitioner or high intensity therapist.

Professional and industry bodies

You could join the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP) for professional accreditation and training opportunities.

Further information

You can find out more about how to become a cognitive behavioural therapist from the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP) and Health Careers.

You can also explore other careers in the psychological professions.

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