Let's talk about…loneliness and how CBT can help

Let's talk about…loneliness and how CBT can help

Author: BABCP December 19, 2025 Duration: 39:35

In this episode, Helen is joined by Jackie and Professor Roz Shafran to explore loneliness through both lived experience and clinical psychology perspectives. Jackie shares her personal journey with anxiety, bereavement, and loneliness, describing how these experiences affected her mental health and led her to seek CBT support. She reflects on what helped, what was challenging, and how strategies such as goal setting and connection building continue to support her today.

Roz Shafran, Emeritus Professor of Translational Psychology at UCL, offers a clear and compassionate overview of how loneliness is understood in research and clinical practice. The conversation explores the difference between loneliness and social isolation, how loneliness can affect people at different stages of life, and what effective interventions can look like.

The discussion covers stigma around loneliness, access to support and why loneliness deserves to be taken seriously. Jackie and Roz also share practical advice for anyone who recognises themselves in the discussion and is considering reaching out for help.

Resources & Support:

If you or someone you know needs urgent help, reach out to Samaritans at 116 123 (UK) or visit samaritans.org

We have more information on how you can find help and support on our Mental health support services page here: https://babcp.com/what-is-cbt/mental-health-support-services-information/https://babcp.com/what-is-cbt/mental-health-support-services-information/

The loneliness umbrella study mentioned by Roz is:

Solmi, M., Veronese, N., Galvano, D., Favaro, A., Ostinelli, E.G., Noventa, V., Favaretto, E., Tudor, F., Finessi, M., Shin, J.I., Smith, L., Koyanagi, A., Cester, A., Bolzetta, F., Cotroneo, A., Maggi, S., Demurtas, J., De Leo, D. and Trabucchi, M. (2020). Factors Associated With Loneliness: An Umbrella Review Of Observational Studies. Journal of Affective Disorders, [online] 271, pp.131–138. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2020.03.075.

Find more information about CBT- www.babcp.com

Find our sister podcasts and all our other episodes in our podcast hub here: https://babcp.com/Podcasts

Have feedback? Email us at podcasts@babcp.com

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Credits:

Music is Autmn Coffee by Bosnow from Uppbeat

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/bosnow/autumn-coffee

License code: 3F32NRBYH67P5MIF

This episode was produced by Steph Curnow


You might have heard the term CBT, or cognitive behavioural therapy, mentioned everywhere these days, but what does it actually involve? Let's Talk About CBT cuts through the noise to explore the real-world application of this widely discussed approach. Produced by the BABCP, the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies, this series brings genuine clarity by featuring conversations with both practicing therapists and people who have personally engaged with the therapy. Each episode feels like a balanced discussion, demystifying complex terms and tackling common misconceptions head-on. Rather than offering quick fixes, the podcast provides a grounded look at how CBT principles work in everyday situations, explaining the why behind the techniques. It’s that direct access to expert insight paired with relatable personal stories that makes the subject so accessible. Whether you're a professional in the field, someone considering therapy, or simply curious about the science of mental well-being, this podcast offers a thoughtful and nuanced perspective. The tone is engaging and informative, stripping away jargon to focus on practical understanding. Tune in for a series that genuinely illuminates the transformative potential of cognitive behavioural therapy, one honest conversation at a time.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 42

Let's Talk About CBT
Podcast Episodes
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Most of us have some worries about how we look, but what if those worries get so bad they stop you being able to go out? Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is a serious problem but it can be overcome, as Gareth explains. Gar…
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Duration: 33:49
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Schema Therapy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:12
How do we develop patterns of thinking and behaving from our earlier experiences? What is Schema Focussed Therapy and how does it fit in the wider family of CBTs? Dr Gill Heath and Mary speak to Dr Lucy Maddox. Show Note…
Acceptance & Commitment Therapy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:41
What is Acceptance & Commitment Therapy and what's it like to have it? How can we live a life in line with our most important values? Dr Joe Oliver, Gary Bridgeman, Dr Graciela Rovner and Dr Eric Morris talk to Dr Lucy M…
Compassion Focussed Therapy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:12
Couldn't we all be a little kinder to ourselves? Find out how self-compassion can influence us and hear about how compassion focussed therapy helped Chris with depression. Prof. Paul Gilbert and Chris Winson talk to Dr L…
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:07
How do we live with impossible dilemmas? How can someone stop self harming when it's the only way they know of coping? What is DBT and how did it help Louise? Dr Michaela Swales and Louise Brinton-Clark talk to Dr Lucy M…