Make 2026 Your Year of Change Through Remote or In Person CBT Sessions
- cbtbournemouth
- Dec 22, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 14
Starting a New Year: Prioritising Your Health & Wellbeing with CBT in 2026
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Starting a new year often brings a desire for goals, improvements, and change. But making lasting improvements and breaking old habits can feel challenging and often requires more than just good intentions. If you want 2026 to be the year you truly prioritise yourself, booking a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) session can be a powerful step. CBT offers practical tools to help you understand your thoughts, manage stress, and build healthier habits that support your wellbeing.
Why Prioritising Yourself Matters
Many people put others needs before their own, often leading to burnout, anxiety, or feeling stuck. Prioritising yourself means recognising your own needs and taking steps to meet them. This doesn’t mean being selfish; it means creating a foundation of mental and emotional health. When you take care of yourself, you can engage fully with life.
CBT can support you in making changes by helping you understand your emotions and habits. When you learn to identify and challenge negative thought patterns, you can work towards developing healthier habits that work better for you. This shift can reduce anxiety, improve mood, and increase motivation.
How CBT Supports Change in 2026
Booking a CBT session early in the year sets a clear intention to invest in yourself. Here’s how CBT can support your goals:
Identify Unhelpful Thinking
You may notice patterns like “I’m not good enough, “I don't deserve to be happy", "I always fail.” CBT helps you recognise these thoughts and understand their impact.
Develop Coping Strategies
Learn techniques such as mindfulness, relaxation exercises, and problem-solving skills to handle stress and setbacks.
Set Achievable Goals
CBT encourages breaking down big changes into manageable steps, making progress feel realistic and rewarding.
Build Self-Awareness
Understanding your triggers and responses allows you to make conscious choices rather than reacting automatically.
The Power of Self-Reflection
Self-reflection is a vital part of the CBT process. It allows you to take a step back and evaluate your thoughts and feelings. Have you ever noticed how easy it is to get caught up in negative thinking? By reflecting on your experiences, you can gain insights into your behaviour and emotions. This awareness can be transformative.
Consider keeping a journal. Writing down your thoughts can help you process your feelings and track your progress. It’s a safe space to explore your mind without judgment. You might be surprised at how much clarity this simple practice can bring.
Taking the First Step
Booking a CBT session for January 2026 is a commitment to yourself. It signals that you are ready to make meaningful changes and prioritise your mental health. Many therapists offer initial consultations to discuss your needs and explain how CBT can help.
When choosing a therapist, consider their experience, approach, and whether you feel comfortable with them. A good therapeutic relationship is key to success. Remember, you deserve to feel supported on this journey.
Keep Momentum Throughout the Year
Change takes time. After your first session, keep track of your progress and challenges. Journaling your thoughts and feelings can reinforce what you learn in therapy. Celebrate small victories and be patient with setbacks.
You might also explore complementary activities such as exercise, healthy eating, or creative hobbies to support your overall well-being. These practices can enhance your therapy experience and contribute to a more balanced life.
Embracing Change
Embracing change can feel daunting. But think of it like planting a seed. With the right care and attention, it can grow into something beautiful. CBT provides the tools to nurture that seed. It helps you cultivate a mindset that welcomes growth and transformation.
Have you ever felt stuck in a cycle of negativity? CBT can help you break free from that cycle. By challenging unhelpful thoughts and replacing them with constructive ones, you can create a more positive outlook on life.
Building a Support Network
Don’t underestimate the power of a support network. Surround yourself with people who uplift and encourage you. Share your goals with friends or family members who can hold you accountable. Sometimes, just knowing someone is cheering you on can make all the difference.
Consider joining a support group or community. Connecting with others who share similar experiences can provide comfort and understanding. You’re not alone in this journey.
Let’s Start Working Towards a Life That Works for You
Let’s start working towards a life that works more for you. Remember, prioritising yourself is not just a one-time action; it’s an ongoing commitment. Each step you take is a step towards a healthier, happier you.
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By Rebecca Cox, BABCP Accredited Cognitive Behavioural Therapist in Dorset, UK