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Beyond CBT: When Reframing Isn’t Enough

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Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) has earned its place as a trusted tool in the mental health world. It’s practical, structured, and often effective—especially for anxiety, depression, and trauma-related symptoms. But what happens when reframing your thoughts feels like putting a plaster on a wound that needs stitches? Is there something beyond CBT?

If you’ve ever walked out of a CBT session thinking, “I understand the logic, but I still feel broken,” you’re not alone.

💔 Beyond CBT: When Insight Doesn’t Equal Healing

CBT teaches us to challenge distorted thoughts and replace them with more balanced ones. It’s empowering—until it’s not. Sometimes, the pain we carry isn’t just cognitive. It’s emotional, relational, even spiritual. And no amount of reframing can touch the ache that lives in our body, our memories, or our soul.

Clients often say:

“I know my thoughts aren’t true, but I still feel worthless.” “I’ve done the worksheets, but I still wake up with dread.”

This is where deeper therapeutic work begins.

🌊 The Depths Beneath the Surface

Beyond CBT lies a world of therapies that don’t just ask what you think—they ask why you feel. Approaches like psychodynamic therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), somatic experiencing, and emotionally focused therapy (EFT) explore the roots of our pain, not just the branches.

These modalities invite you to:

  • Sit with discomfort instead of fixing it
  • Explore childhood patterns and attachment wounds
  • Feel emotions fully, rather than rationalizing them away

It’s not always tidy. It’s rarely linear. But it’s profoundly healing.

🔄 When CBT Becomes a Starting Point

CBT isn’t the enemy—it’s often the doorway. It gives language to our inner world and tools to manage distress. But for many, it’s just the beginning. Healing is not a worksheet. It’s a relationship. A process. A reckoning.

If you’ve felt stuck in your therapy journey, it might be time to go deeper. Not because CBT failed—but because you’re ready for more.

❤️ You Deserve More Than Coping: Beyond CBT

You deserve more than symptom management. You deserve healing that touches the core of who you are. Therapy isn’t just about changing thoughts—it’s about reclaiming your story.

So if you’ve been reframing and still hurting, know this: it’s not your fault. And you’re not alone.

There’s a whole world beyond CBT. And it’s waiting for you.

Further Reading(Amazon)

The Mental Health Workout

15 Rules To Strengthen Mind And Body

52 Weeks of Wellbeing: A No Nonsense Guide to a Fulfilling Work Life

Atomic Habits

The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People

Don’t Believe Everything You Think: Why Your Thinking Is the Beginning & End of Suffering

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About me

Steven Lucas MBACP PNCPS (Accred) is a professional counselling psychotherapist working in Northamptonshire. Read Full Bio.

On a Personal Note: 

This blog is more than words—it’s my way of creating a life of meaning, purpose, and support for the people I love most: my family.

After years of navigating life’s emotional highs and lows, I realised that what people crave isn’t just information—they want belonging, encouragement, and heart. That’s what I set out to share here.

Every post is crafted with intention: to inspire, to uplift, and to offer real hope. Whether you’re struggling with mental wellbeing, searching for personal growth, or simply looking to feel less alone in a busy world, you’re in the right place.

What drives me? The Lord and my family, and the belief that with empathy and authentic connection, we can build a better world—one reader at a time. Thanks for being here. You’re not just a visitor—you’re part of this journey. 

Don’t Forget to Share your Thoughts in the Comments Section Below!

Healing isn’t linear, and emotional wellbeing isn’t a destination—it’s a relationship we build with ourselves over time. I’ve shared a piece of my journey here, but I know every path looks different. What’s helped you feel more grounded or whole lately? Whether it’s a small ritual, a big breakthrough, or even a question you’re still sitting with—I’d love to hear it. Your story might be exactly what someone else needs to read today.

Other Posts

If you found this page useful, you might also enjoy reading these posts:

Emotional Wellbeing: A Biblical Perspective

What Is Displaced Anger?

How To Start Addressing Relationship Difficulties

Being Positive In Difficult Times

How Can I Get A Better Night’s Sleep?

How Can I Improve My Self Esteem?

Being Assertive And Managing Boundaries

Thought Management

Coping With Symptoms Of Stress, Anxiety And Low Mood

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If you’ve found comfort, insight, or encouragement here, and you’d like to say a little “thank you,” buying me a coffee is an amazing way to do just that. Your support helps me continue offering heartfelt content, maintaining a safe space for those seeking guidance, and expanding access to mental health support.

Whether it’s one coffee or a few, your gesture means the world. It tells me that what I’m doing matters—and that I’m not alone in this mission to bring light into people’s lives.

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Disclaimer:

I am not a doctor so this guide should not be considered a replacement for seeking medical advice. It is also not a substitute for obtaining therapy as other factors, such as trauma, need to be considered.

There are pay per click ads on this site for which I may receive a small commission. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This helps to pay for the running of the site. I do not endorse any of the products advertised.

Some of the blog posts on this website include content that was generated or assisted by artificial intelligence (AI). While we strive for accuracy and clarity, AI-generated material may contain errors or reflect limitations in current technology. Please use your own judgment and consult professional sources when making decisions based on this content.


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