Therapy
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
CBT is the most thoroughly researched talking therapy in psychiatry. It works on the link between what you think, how you feel and what you do — and specifically on the patterns that keep a difficulty going long after whatever started it has passed.
Offered at the clinic
Overview
What it is
A structured, practical talking therapy that looks at the link between thoughts, feelings and behaviour, and at the patterns that keep a difficulty going.
Sessions focus on noticing unhelpful thinking habits, testing them against evidence, and building alternative responses. It is usually time-limited, with work to practise between sessions.
In practice
What a session involves
Sessions are structured rather than open-ended. You and the therapist agree what to work on, look at specific recent situations in detail — what happened, what went through your mind, what you felt, what you did — and test those thoughts against the evidence rather than against reassurance. Most sessions end with something to practise before the next one, and that practice is where most of the change actually happens.
Suitability
Who it tends to suit
- People who prefer a practical, structured approach with clear goals
- Difficulties maintained by a recognisable loop — avoidance, checking, rumination
- Anyone wanting a time-limited course rather than open-ended therapy
- People who would rather learn a method they can reuse later on their own
What it does not do
Stated plainly, because a page that lists only benefits is an advertisement rather than an explanation.
- It asks for work between sessions; without that, results are limited
- It is not a quick fix, and it can feel uncomfortable before it feels better
- It suits some conditions far better than others — the assessment decides
- It is not a replacement for medication in every situation
Commonly used for
Conditions this is used in
- Depression
- Anxiety disorders
- Panic disorder
- Phobias
- OCD
- Insomnia and sleep difficulties
This therapy is provided at the clinic where the assessment indicates it is appropriate.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about cognitive behavioural therapy and how it fits with the rest of your care.
How many sessions will I need?
CBT is usually time-limited and reviewed as it goes, but the number depends on the condition and on you. Nobody can give you a figure before an assessment, and a fixed course quoted in advance is worth questioning.
Do I have to talk about my childhood?
Not necessarily. CBT concentrates on what is keeping the problem going now. History comes in where it helps explain a current pattern, not as a requirement.
Can CBT replace medication?
Sometimes, and sometimes not. For some conditions it is a treatment in its own right; for others medication is what makes therapy possible; often the two are used together. It depends on the assessment.
Appointments
Ask whether this approach suits you
Dr. Manchikalapudi Tirumala Babu consults at Maruthi Hospital and Diagnostics, Guntur. Call the clinic to request an appointment and talk through the options.
Consulting hours are Monday to Saturday, 6:00–9:00 PM, by appointment. This website does not confirm bookings on its own — the clinic confirms a time with you.