Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT)

Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT) is a time-limited therapeutic approach that combines principles from analytic psychology and cognitive therapy. It explores past experiences to understand how they shape a person’s thoughts, emotions, and behaviors and then helps them to problem solve and develop new ways of coping. The therapist works together with the client to recognise ineffective patterns and support them to adjust and change.

CAT is considered a highly active therapy type, and one in which the client ultimately has control. It invites the client to observe your life from an objective viewpoint and to take part in identifying what needs to change. It works by identifying any learned behaviours or beliefs from the client’s past and investigating whether they are contributing to current difficulties.

The foundations of CAT rely on an empathic relationship between the client and the therapist to help the client be more about what the way they feel during sessions.

CAT is especially beneficial in helping individuals identify recurring relationship patterns that persist throughout life and are challenging to change without support.

Features specific to CAT include the therapist writing a reformulation letter to the client early in therapy, which is the working hypothesis for the therapy and helps promote change. The therapy is usually 16-20 sessions with the ending identified from the start.

CAT is different from CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) in its focus. While CBT primarily focuses on the connection between thoughts, feelings, and actions in the present, CAT explores past experiences. This approach helps the therapist guide the client in understanding their challenges, how they originated, and their relational nature.

Cognitive Analytic Therapy can often help with issues such as addictions, anxiety, depression, disordered eating, obsessions and compulsions, phobias, relationship issues, self-harm, and stress.

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