Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) in Lytham & Burscough
Practical, evidence-based sessions to help you change unhelpful thoughts and behaviours and feel better day-to-day.
Delivered by an experienced practitioner with decades of client work and roots in social work practice.
What is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)?
CBT is one of the most widely used talking therapies and is the preferred approach within the NHS. Over the years, different therapeutic models have been popular — from psychoanalytical and behavioural therapies to various ‘psycho-social’ interventions. In recent years, CBT has become the favoured approach because it focuses on the here and now rather than dwelling on the past.
By concentrating on current struggles and helping you develop practical skills to manage future challenges, CBT offers a more active and solution-focused form of therapy.
In my CBT sessions across Lytham and Burscough, I take an evidence-based approach. Together, we look at patterns in your thoughts, beliefs, and behaviours that may be unhelpful. As part of the process, you’ll be asked to reflect on your experiences and score certain thoughts and feelings using simple ratings or percentages. Over time, these scores often show clear improvements, which can be encouraging and motivating.
Homework and worksheets are also part of the process, helping you practise new techniques between sessions and reinforce what we cover together.
What Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Can Help With
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CBT Sessions in Lytham and Burscough: How They Work
I draw on elements of CBT as part of a broader psychotherapeutic approach, combining structured techniques with a more personalised style of therapy. CBT is often just one aspect of the overall programme, but where it’s appropriate, I offer a dedicated seven‑module CBT programme, based on a respected Australian resource, which many clients find helpful. These structured CBT sessions are available in both Lytham and Burscough, giving you the flexibility to choose the location that works best for you.
Each session follows a clear structure designed to guide you step by step. We begin by exploring your current challenges and understanding the patterns in your thoughts, beliefs, and behaviours. From there, we introduce practical strategies, review your progress, and consolidate what you’ve learned along the way. Sessions are up to 60 minutes and are typically held weekly, though we can adjust timings depending on your needs and circumstances.
The process is collaborative from start to finish. Together, we’ll set achievable goals, identify unhelpful thought patterns, and develop practical techniques to manage them. Between sessions, you’ll be supported with worksheets, simple exercises, and small tasks to practise at home. These tools help you strengthen what we cover in our sessions and give you lasting strategies to manage challenges. Where appropriate, we may also use self‑ratings to track your progress over time, allowing us both to see clear evidence of positive change.
Session Format & Availability
- 1:1 sessions (60 minutes) — in clinic or online video.
- Initial programme: typically six sessions, agreed together as things develop.
- Between-session support available via email, messaging, telephone/video to help you stay on track.
- Booking options: initial discussion by phone, or a one-off in-clinic consultation to explore the best way forward.
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Why Choose Russell Hoyles for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy in Lytham & Burscough
My approach combines elements of CBT exercises, models, and theory with a broader psychotherapeutic framework. I often use material drawn from a respected Australian CBT resource, but I adapt the process to suit your personal needs rather than taking a rigid, one‑size‑fits‑all approach. If you’d like to know more about my background and experience, you can learn more about me here.
Many clients come to me after experiencing ‘pure’ NHS‑style CBT and have found the structured scoring, worksheets, and evidence‑based format difficult to manage — particularly when struggling with acute anxiety, depression, or crisis. For others, however, these structured elements can be incredibly effective. I have successfully used CBT techniques to support clients experiencing OCD, panic attacks, health anxiety, and stress related to health concerns.
The key is that CBT is one of many tools I draw on to help you move forward. During the early stages of working together, we’ll take time to explore your situation and identify the approaches that resonate most with you. Sometimes this means using CBT heavily; other times, it’s just one part of a more integrated strategy. My aim is always to provide a flexible, personalised approach that supports your unique needs — whether you’re seeking therapy in Lytham or Burscough.
Feedback from Local Clients
Russells patience, understanding and guidance has enabled me to be more assertive, confident and to make positive changes. Russell has also helped me not just with my mental health but supported me in getting help with medical issues.
My sessions have been worth every penny and I would definitely recommend Russell.
I am very happy to know he is still there if I need help in the future.
Sandra Catherall
I am 43 years old and have suffered from constant mental health issues since my mid-teens. Over the past couple of years I found myself sinking even deeper into depression and decided to seek out a private therapist.
Russell immediately stood out to me because of his wealth of experience, and after an initial consultation I could tell that his down to earth nature and bespoke approach was exactly what I was looking for.
David
I finished therapy with Russell a few months ago and I have found I have been able to do things I wouldn’t have had the confidence to do before and have been able to let things I used to worry too much about get put in perspective so I have long lasting gains.
Thanks Russell for the time, energy and patience you put in and best wishes!
Hilary
You can read more feedback over on my client reviews page…
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s natural to have questions before starting CBT. Below you’ll find answers to some of the most common things people ask when considering therapy. If there’s anything else you’d like to know, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
What happens in a CBT session?
A structured 60-minute conversation exploring your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. You’ll also be given practical strategies to try between sessions.
How many sessions will I need?
Many people begin with a block of six sessions. We’ll review progress together and agree if more are needed.
How quickly will I notice changes?
Some people experience benefits within a few sessions, while others may take longer. Everyone’s pace is different, and we’ll regularly review your progress.
Can CBT be done online?
Yes — sessions are available both in-clinic and online by secure video call.
Do I need to prepare anything before starting CBT?
No preparation is required. We’ll agree on your goals and set practical tasks together during the process.
Is CBT confidential?
Yes — all sessions are private and confidential. Information is only shared with your consent or where legally required for safety reasons.
Is there support between sessions?
Yes — support is available via email, messaging, or calls to help you apply tools and stay on track.