Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT)
What is Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT)?
Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT) is a structured, collaborative form of psychotherapy that helps people understand how patterns in their thoughts, feelings, and relationships may have developed over time.
Many of the ways we relate to ourselves and others begin in earlier life experiences. Sometimes these patterns were originally helpful, but over time they can start to cause difficulties such as anxiety, low mood, relationship problems, or feeling stuck in unhelpful cycles.
CAT focuses on helping you recognise these patterns and understand where they come from, so that you can begin to change them.
How does CAT work?
In CAT, you and your therapist work together to map out patterns in how you think, feel, and relate to others. This might include noticing repeated cycles in relationships, self-criticism, or ways of coping that no longer feel helpful.
Early in therapy, your therapist may create a written summary and a visual map of these patterns. This shared understanding can make it easier to recognise when these patterns are happening in everyday life.
As therapy progresses, you will work together to develop new ways of responding, helping you break unhelpful cycles and build healthier ways of relating to yourself and others.
What to expect from CAT therapy
CAT is usually a time-limited therapy, often lasting between 16 and 24 sessions. It is a collaborative process, meaning you and your therapist work actively together to understand your experiences and develop practical ways to make changes.
Many people find CAT helpful because it provides a clear understanding of their difficulties while also offering practical tools for change.