Making sense of patterns

Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT)

Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT) is a collaborative, compassionate psychological therapy that explores how past experiences influence the way we think, feel and relate to ourselves and others today.

Like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), CAT examines the connection between thoughts, emotions and behaviours. However, it also takes time to understand the earlier experiences and relationships that may have shaped these patterns over many years.

Together with your therapist, you will explore the ways you make sense of your experiences and how these understandable coping strategies may once have been helpful but no longer serve you in your current life.

CAT is particularly interested in recognising recurring patterns in relationships, communication and emotional responses. By identifying these patterns, it becomes possible to understand why difficulties continue and to discover healthier, more adaptive ways of responding.

The therapeutic relationship itself is an important part of CAT. Working within a compassionate, supportive and trusting relationship, therapy provides a safe space to understand difficulties, develop greater self-awareness and begin making lasting changes.

CAT is a structured, time-limited therapy, typically lasting around 16 sessions, although this may vary depending on your individual needs and the nature of the difficulties being explored.