Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

“Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a type of
talking therapy where a therapist helps you to change
how you think and act. It can treat many different…”.1

Umbrella

What may the Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Umbrella include?

Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:

  • Cognitive Behavioral/Behaviour/Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
  • Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)
  • Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)

Definition

What is cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)?

DotS the definition of CBT may vary. The (United Kingdom) NHS’s definition is:

“Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a type of talking therapy where a therapist helps you to change how you think and act. It can treat many different mental health problems”.2

The (United States) National Alliance on Mental Illness’ (NAMI) definition is:

“Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) focuses on exploring relationships among a person’s thoughts, feelings and behaviors. During CBT a therapist will actively work with a person to uncover unhealthy patterns of thought and how they may be causing self-destructive behaviors and beliefs”.3

On page one in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) for Menopausal Symptoms the (British) Women’s Health Concern’s (WHC) definition is:

“Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) focuses on exploring relationships among a person’s thoughts, feelings and behaviors. During CBT a therapist will actively work with a person to uncover unhealthy patterns of thought and how they may be causing self-destructive behaviors and beliefs”.4

Treatment

What may CBT be used to treat?

In Psychotherapy: Popular Types of Psychotherapy – Cognitive Behavioral Therapy the NAMI:

“Studies of CBT have shown it to be an effective treatment for a wide variety of mental illnesses, including depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, eating disorders and schizophrenia. Individuals who undergo CBT show changes in brain activity, suggesting that this therapy actually improves your brain functioning as well”.5

In Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): What CBT Is For the NHS elaborate on:

“Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a recommended treatment for many mental health problems, such as:

  • Depression, including postnatal depression
  • Anxiety, including social anxiety, phobias and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Eating disorders, including anorexia and bulimia
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Personality disorders…

CBT can also help with other conditions including:

  • Sleep problems such as insomnia
  • Problems with alcohol and drugs
  • Long-term pain
  • Irritable bowel syndrome
  • Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)”.6

How

How does CBT work?

In Psychotherapy: Popular Types of Psychotherapy – Cognitive Behavioral Therapy the NAMI:

“The core principles of CBT are identifying negative or false beliefs and testing or restructuring them. Oftentimes someone being treated with CBT will have homework in between sessions where they practice replacing negative thoughts with with more realistic thoughts based on prior experiences or record their negative thoughts in a journal”.7

NICE Guideline, 07 November 2024

What do the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommend about CBT in their Menopause: Identification and Management?

On page 12 in Menopause: Identification and Management – Recommendations: 1.4 Discussing Management Options With People Aged 40 or Over [NICE Guideline Published: 12 November 2015 Last Updated: 07 November 2024] the NICE recommend:

“Evidence showed that cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) could be an option for some people with vasomotor symptoms, depressive symptoms or sleep problems. CBT could be used either alongside HRT or, for people for whom HRT is contraindicated or who prefer not to take it, instead of HRT. Several types of CBT (for example, online or group sessions) were found to be effective, but the evidence did not show that 1 option was better than another. The committee therefore recommended that the available options should be discussed with the person. They were also aware that some people needed information on what CBT involves. It was recognised that people have different preferences and needs and that these should be taken into account during these discussions (for example, reasonable adjustments may be needed for people with learning disabilities)”.8

Menopause Symptoms

What effect may CBT have on menopause symptoms?

On page two in Complementary & Alternative Therapies. Non-Hormonal Treatments for Menopause Symptoms: Complementary and Alternative Treatments – Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) the WHC explain:

“The good news is that CBT can alleviate low mood and anxiety which arise as a result of the menopause, and we now realise that CBT can also reduce the impact of hot flushes and sweats. The Menopause Society (formerly the North American Menopause Society) recommends a CBT approach that combines relaxation techniques, sleep hygiene and learning to take a positive healthy attitude to the menopause challenge. CBT is now a recommended treatment option for anxiety experienced during the peri and post menopause. A CBT approach which is theory based can improve hot flush perception and reduce stress and sleep problems. There are two-way interactions between mood and hot flushes, as 10% of women are more likely to be depressed during the menopause”.9

Is there a fact sheet about Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) for Menopausal Symptoms?

Your Country may have a fact sheet similar to the WHC’s fact sheet reviewed February 2026:

Hot Flushes

Can CBT help manage hot flushes?

In How To Manage Menopausal Symptoms: Managing Sleep Problems – Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) the (Australian) Jean Hailes for Women’s Health (JH) note:

“Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can help you manage hot flushes and night sweats by reducing the impact they have on you”.10

On page five in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) for Menopause Symptoms: CBT for Hot Flushes the WHC elaborate on:

“CBT for hot flushes focuses on the links between physical symptoms, thoughts, feelings and behaviour. The way we think about symptoms in certain situations tends to affect the emotions we feel and what we do, and these reactions can in turn increase the intensity of the hot flushes”.11

Sleep Problems

Is CBT effective in treating sleep problems?

In How To Manage Menopausal Symptoms: Managing Sleep Problems – Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) the JH also note:

“CBT is also effective in treating sleep problems such as insomnia. This is called “CBT-I”.12

Health Care Provider

What if I think I could benefit from CBT?

If you would think you could benefit from CBT, it may be in your best interest to choose to talk to your health care provider about this. Together you can discuss your options and if required, agree on who may be the most appropriate health care provider to help you.

In Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: Overview the (United States) Mayo Clinic elaborate on:

“You don’t need to have a mental health condition to benefit from CBT. CBT can be an effective way to learn how to better manage stressful life situations”.13

Health Topics A-Z

Where may I find Health Topics A-Z related to Cognitive Behavioural Therapy?

In Health Topics A-Z you may find:

Health Topics A-Z

Links

Where may I find Links related to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?

Your Country may have Links similar to:

Links

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New or Updated

  1. ACOG Explains: Managing Menopause Symptoms [American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists]
  2. Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Therapies [United States]
  3. British Association for Behavioural & Cognitive Psychotherapies [United Kingdom]
  4. CBT Is An Effective Treatment for Many Mental Health Issues – But Here’s Why It May Not Suit Everyone
  5. CBT for Menopausal Symptoms
  6. Can Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Help Manage Menopause Symptoms?
  7. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
  8. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) for Menopausal Symptoms
  9. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
  10. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
  11. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Shows Promise Managing Menopausal Insomnia and Hot Flashes [05 May 2026]
  12. Complementary & Alternative Therapies: Non-Hormonal Treatments for Menopause Symptoms
  13. Complementary Medicines and Therapies for Hot Flushes
  14. Complementary Medicines and Therapies: Options for Menopausal Symptoms
    Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
  15. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2024 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Menopause
  16. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2024 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – Preparing for Your Menopause Health Care Visit
  17. EMAS On-Demand Webinars [European Menopause and Andropause Society] [Multiply Languages]: Managing Menopausal Symptoms With CBT
  18. EMAS On-Demand Webinars [European Menopause and Andropause Society] [Multiply Languages]: Menopause and Mental Health: Managing Anxiety, Depression, and Cognitive Changes
  19. EMAS On-Demand Webinars [European Menopause and Andropause Society] [Multiply Languages]: Sleep Disturbances In Menopause
  20. Find A Menopause Practitioner [United States and Other]
  21. Find A Practitioner [Australasian Menopause Society i.e. Australia and New Zealand]
  22. Find Your Nearest BMS Menopause Specialist [British Menopause Society]
  23. Handling Hot Flushes and Night Sweats| Dr Louise Newson
  24. Health.gov.au/perimenopause [Australia]
  25. How To Manage Menopausal Symptoms
  26. International Menopause Society (IMS) Recommendations and Key Messages on Women’s Midlife Health and Menopause
  27. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Signs and Symptoms of Menopause [+ Video: Talking Menopause With Your GP] [Other Languages and Formats]
  28. Looking After Yourself Around the Time of Menopause
  29. Menopause
  30. Menopause
  31. Menopause
    Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
  32. Menopause
    Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
  33. Menopause Checklist Podcast
  34. Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Questions for Your Health Care Provider
    Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
  35. Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Symptom Tracker
    Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
  36. Menopause Symptoms: Mayo Clinic Expert Outlines Hormone and Nonhormonal Therapies
  37. Menopause and Mental Health
  38. Menopause and Sleep
  39. Menopause and Your Mental Wellbeing
  40. Menopause: Ensuring A Tranquil Transition
  41. Menopause: How To Talk To Your Doctor
  42. Menopause: Identification and Management [NICE Guideline]
  43. Menopause: Identification and Management [NICE Guideline]
  44. Menopause: Things You Can Do
  45. Mymenoplan.org [My Menoplan, United States]
  46. Navigating Menopause Care Resource Guide
    Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
  47. Nonhormone Treatments for Hot Flashes and Night Sweats
  48. Online Events [International Menopause Society]: IMS Partnership Symposia Series – What Is Sleep, What Is Menopause and How Do They Interact?
  49. Online Events [International Menopause Society]: IMS Partnership Symposia Series – What’s Hot? Options for Treatment of Hot Flushes 2025
  50. Online Events [International Menopause Society]: Past Webinars – 2024: Non-Pharmacological Interventions For VMS
  51. Online Events [International Menopause Society]: Past Webinars – 2025: Previous – Lifestyle Medicine
  52. Online Events [International Menopause Society]: Past Webinars – 2026: New IMS Recommendations: Evidence-Based Management of Vasomotor Symptoms
  53. Online Events [International Menopause Society]: Past Webinars – 2026: New IMS Recommendations – Lifestyle, Diet, Exercise
  54. Online Events [International Menopause Society]: Past Webinars – 2026: New IMS Recommendations – Midlife Body Changes
  55. Pauline Maki, PhD, on Why CBT for Insomnia Is Underused In Menopause Care Despite Strong Evidence
  56. Perimenopause
  57. Perimenopause
  58. Perimenopause and Menopause Checklist: Translated Checklists
  59. Perimenopause and Menopause Symptom Checklist
    Perimenopause Snapshot
  60. Psychotherapy: Popular Types of Psychotherapy – Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
  61. Self-Help CBT Techniques
  62. Therapy Could Be Effective Treatment for Non-Physical Symptoms of Menopause
  63. Top Tips To Improve Your Mental Wellbeing
  64. Understanding and Managing Sleep Problems During Menopause
  65. What Is CBT? [Multiply Languages]
  66. What Is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?
  67. When Does Perimenopause Start and How Do You Define the Beginning
  68. World Menopause Day [18 October 2025]
    Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
  69. Your Daily Dose: Let’s Unpack Menopause
  70. Your Daily Dose: Perimenopause, Don’t Suffer In Silence
  71. Your Daily Dose: Perimenopause, Here’s What To Know

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): Overview. Page Last Reviewed: 28 March 2025. NHS https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/talking-therapies-medicine-treatments/talking-therapies-and-counselling/cognitive-behavioural-therapy-cbt/overview/ Accessed: 29 June 2026
  2. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): Overview. Page Last Reviewed: 28 March 2025. NHS https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/talking-therapies-medicine-treatments/talking-therapies-and-counselling/cognitive-behavioural-therapy-cbt/overview/ Accessed: 29 June 2026
  3. Psychotherapy: Popular Types of Psychotherapy – Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. National Alliance on Mental Illness https://www.nami.org/treatments-and-approaches/psychotherapy/ Accessed: 29 June 2026
  4. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) for Menopausal Symptoms. Publication Date: February 2023:1. Women’s Health Concern https://www.womens-health-concern.org/help-and-advice/factsheets/cognitive-behaviour-therapy-cbt-menopausal-symptoms/ Accessed: 29 June 2026
  5. Psychotherapy: Popular Types of Psychotherapy – Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. National Alliance on Mental Illness https://www.nami.org/treatments-and-approaches/psychotherapy/ Accessed: 29 June 2026
  6. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): What CBT Is For. Page Last Reviewed: 28 March 2025. NHS https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/talking-therapies-medicine-treatments/talking-therapies-and-counselling/cognitive-behavioural-therapy-cbt/overview/ Accessed: 29 June 2026
  7. Psychotherapy: Popular Types of Psychotherapy – Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. National Alliance on Mental Illness https://www.nami.org/treatments-and-approaches/psychotherapy/ Accessed: 29 June 2026
  8. Menopause: Identification and Management [NICE Guideline]: Recommendations – 1.4 Discussing Management Options With People Aged 40 or Over. Published: 12 November 2015. Last Updated: 07 November 2024]. Page 12. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng23/resources/menopause-identification-and-management-pdf-1837330217413 Accessed: 29 June 2026
  9. Complementary & Alternative Therapies. Non-Hormonal Treatments for Menopause Symptoms: Complementary and Alternative Treatments – Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT). Reviewed: November 2025. Women’s Health Concern https://www.womens-health-concern.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/03-NEW-WHC-FACTSHEET-Complementary-And-Alternative-Therapies-NOV2025-B.pdf Accessed: 29 June 2026
  10. How To Manage Menopausal Symptoms: Managing Sleep Problems – Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-topics/menopause/how-to-manage-menopausal-symptoms/#section-managing-sleep-problems Accessed: 29 June 2026
  11. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) for Menopause Symptoms: CBT for Hot Flushes. Reviewed: February 2026:5. Women’s Health Concern https://www.womens-health-concern.org/help-and-advice/factsheets/cognitive-behaviour-therapy-cbt-menopausal-symptoms/ Accessed: 29 June 2026
  12. How To Manage Menopausal Symptoms: Managing Sleep Problems – Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-topics/menopause/how-to-manage-menopausal-symptoms/#section-managing-sleep-problems Accessed: 29 June 2026
  13. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: Overview. 26 February 2025. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/cognitive-behavioral-therapy/about/pac-20384610 Accessed: 29 June 2026
Topic Last Updated: 29 June 2026 – Topic Last Reviewed: 29 June 2026

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