CBT Therapy in Hong Kong with a Clinical Psychologist

What Is CBT and How Does It Work?

CBT works by identifying these patterns, examining how they are maintained, and developing more helpful ways of responding. Depending on the difficulty, this may involve working with thoughts and beliefs, changing patterns of behaviour, reducing avoidance, practising new skills or gradually approaching situations that have become difficult.

CBT is structured and collaborative, with clear goals and regular opportunities to review progress. The specific techniques used are adapted to your difficulties and treatment goals rather than following a one-size-fits-all approach.

What Can CBT Help With in Hong Kong?

• CBT can be helpful for a wide range of psychological difficulties, particularly when patterns of thinking, behaviour or avoidance are contributing to distress.

  CBT may be appropriate for:

  • Anxiety, including generalised anxiety, health anxiety and social anxiety

  • Panic attacks and panic-related difficulties

  • Depression and low mood

  • Burnout and work-related stress

  • Perfectionism and imposter syndrome

  • Overthinking and repetitive thinking patterns

  • Low self-esteem and self-critical thinking

  • OCD and related difficulties

  • Adjustment difficulties, including relocation and expat life

  • Sleep difficulties, including approaches based on CBT for insomnia (CBT-I)

  CBT can also be adapted for other difficulties depending on your individual circumstances. During an initial assessment, we work together to understand what is maintaining the problem and whether CBT is an appropriate approach for your goals.

  You do not need a formal diagnosis to benefit from CBT. Many people seek therapy because they know that something is not working well, even if they do not have a specific diagnosis.

CBT for Professionals in Hong Kong

Work can have a significant impact on psychological wellbeing, particularly in high-pressure professional environments. CBT can be helpful when work stress becomes intertwined with anxiety, perfectionism, self-criticism, difficulty switching off or feeling that you are constantly under pressure to perform.

Therapy can help you understand the patterns maintaining these difficulties and develop more sustainable ways of responding to work demands, uncertainty and setbacks.

I work with professionals and expats in Hong Kong who want practical, evidence-based psychological support while continuing to manage demanding careers and responsibilities.

What to Expect in CBT Sessions with Dr Aurélie Comes

CBT begins with an assessment of what you are experiencing, what you would like to change and the patterns that may be maintaining your difficulties. Together, we develop a treatment plan based on your individual goals.

Sessions are structured and collaborative. Depending on your needs, therapy may involve identifying patterns of thinking, behavioural experiments, exposure, problem-solving, developing coping strategies or practising new ways of responding.

CBT often includes practical exercises between sessions so that you can apply what you are learning to everyday situations. Progress is reviewed regularly and the treatment plan can be adapted as your needs change.

Sessions are 50 minutes and delivered online via a secure video platform during Hong Kong office hours.

CBT or EMDR: What is the right approach for me?

CBT and EMDR are different evidence-based psychological therapies and may be appropriate for different difficulties.

CBT is commonly used for anxiety, depression, perfectionism, low self-esteem, burnout, stress and patterns of thinking or behaviour that are contributing to current difficulties. EMDR is particularly associated with trauma, PTSD and distressing memories.

There can also be overlap. For example, someone experiencing anxiety following a traumatic experience may benefit from EMDR, CBT, or a combination of approaches at different stages of therapy.

You do not need to decide which therapy is right for you before getting in touch. During an initial consultation, we can discuss what you are experiencing and consider which approach is most appropriate.

Why Choose a BABCP-Accredited CBT Therapist

When choosing a CBT therapist, it is worth considering their clinical qualifications, specific CBT training, supervision and professional accreditation.

Dr. Aurélie Comes is a UK-trained Clinical Psychologist with a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (PsyD), NHS clinical experience and a Postgraduate Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (PgDip). She is also accredited by the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP).

BABCP accreditation involves assessment against professional standards relating to training, clinical practice, supervision and ethical practice. This provides an additional indication of a therapist's specialist training and professional standards in CBT.

CBT Therapy Fees in Hong Kong

Fee: HK$2,800 per 50-minute session
First step: Free 15-minute consultation
Sessions: Online, via secure video platform
Languages: English and French
Availability: Hong Kong office hours, limited appointments
Book a free 15-minute consultation to discuss your goals and see if CBT with Dr Aurélie Comes is the right fit.

Online CBT in Hong Kong

I provide CBT sessions online for adults in Hong Kong, offering a convenient and private way to access psychological therapy without travelling to a clinic.

Sessions take place through a secure video platform during Hong Kong office hours. During an initial consultation, we can discuss whether online CBT is appropriate for your needs.

"I came to therapy feeling like I was managing everything on the surface but running on empty underneath. Within a few sessions I had tools I actually used. Six months on, my relationship with anxiety is completely different. I finally understand what was driving it."

• Senior professional, Hong Kong