CAT EXPLAINED

Cognitive Analytic Therapy

Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT) is a form of therapy that looks at the way a person thinks, feels and acts in the present and how this is informed by the patterns that have occurred in their experiences and relationships since childhood.

CAT EXPLAINED?

What Is CAT?

Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT) is a form of therapy that looks at the way a person thinks, feels and acts in the present and how this is informed by the patterns that have occurred in their experiences and relationships since childhood. It draws on both cognitive and psychoanalytic therapy, but is time limited.

1.25M

people living with an eating disorder

Typically, CAT will last for 16, 24 or 32 sessions.

It has a clear progression, starting with assessment and reformulation (a way of understanding the difficulties someone is having), followed by a period of focus on change, before a clear ending including therapeutic ending letters.

46%

of Adults feel unhappy about appearance

WHO IS THIS FOR

Why choose CAT?

Unhelpful patterns in experiences and relationships are identified through open discussion about issues, and through patterns that may reoccur within the therapeutic relationship. It is therefore a good choice for people who find relationships, including the therapeutic relationship, challenging, or who experience high ambivalence towards change.

who is CAT helpful for?

Cognitive analytic therapy for eating disorders is becoming more popular in the treatment of eating disorders. The broad focus of CAT means that co-morbid personality difficulties and psychiatric symptoms (such as substance misuse, depression and self harm) can be addressed within the therapy, where they are often seen as exclusion criteria in other forms of therapy.

How We Support you

Signs and Symptoms of Bulimia Nervosa

Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT) is a form of therapy that looks at the way a person thinks, feels and acts in the present and how this is informed by the patterns that have occurred in their experiences and relationships since childhood. It draws on both cognitive and psychoanalytic therapy, but is time limited.
  • Frequent episodes of binge eating followed by purging behaviours
  • Preoccupation with food, weight, or body image
  • Eating in secret or disappearing after meals
  • Dental issues, sore throat, or stomach discomfort caused by vomiting
  • Feelings of guilt, shame, or anxiety about eating
  • Fatigue, dehydration, or disrupted menstrual cycles

How The London Centre
Supports CAT

Describe that CAT helps individuals build self-compassion and emotional safety, which research shows is crucial in eating disorder recovery. Explain that many people with eating disorders experience intense shame, self-blame, or perfectionistic pressure – which CAT addresses directly.

Personalised Care

Personalised and
Collaborative Care

Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT) is a form of therapy that looks at the way a person thinks, feels and acts in the present and how this is informed by the patterns that have occurred in their experiences and relationships since childhood. It draws on both cognitive and psychoanalytic therapy, but is time limited.

the benefits

Benefits of CAT

Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT) is a form of therapy that looks at the way a person thinks, feels and acts in the present and how this is informed by the patterns that have occurred in their experiences and relationships since childhood. It draws on both cognitive and psychoanalytic therapy, but is time limited.

  • CBT-E (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Eating Disorders)
  • MANTRA Therapy
  • Schema Therapy
  • Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT)
  • Family Therapy, including Family-Based Treatment (FBT)
  • EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing)

A Holistic Approach
to Recovery

Treatment at The London Centre supports both emotional healing and physical health. Our approach helps individuals build a more compassionate, balanced relationship with food and their body, while strengthening resilience and confidence.

A Place of Specialist Support

Is CAT Right for Me?

Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT) is a form of therapy that looks at the way a person thinks, feels and acts in the present and how this is informed by the patterns that have occurred in their experiences and relationships since childhood. It draws on both cognitive and psychoanalytic therapy, but is time limited.

FAQ’s

FAQs About CAT

Start your journey

Take the First Step Towards Recovery

Our team conducts a comprehensive evaluation, leveraging the expertise of multiple specialists, to ensure that our CAT therapy is effective and tailored to your personal recovery.