Home » Therapy » CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) » iCBT internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a highly-effective treatment method that works well in an online setting. Here we look at iCBT and how the treatment can work for you.

What is iCBT?

iCBT stands for Internet-based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. It is a form of psychotherapy delivered online and based on the principles of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), an evidence-based approach effective in treating a range of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, stress, and various phobias.

CBT involves a series of modules that take place over several weeks with the support of a psychologist or therapist. It has been shown in research to be as effective as in-person sessions and is an efficient way to engage in therapy.

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What is CBT?

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based form of psychotherapy designed to change negative thought patterns, emotions and behaviours that contribute to mental health problems. CBT combines cognitive and behavioural techniques to learn new ways of dealing with challenges.

CBT is effective for a wide range of mental health conditions, such as depression, various anxiety disorders, OCD, stress, eating disorders and sleep problems. Treatment is structured and time-limited, with a focus on achieving specific goals through practical exercises and tasks between sessions.

It is a relatively short-term treatment backed by research that provides practical tools and techniques for developing skills to deal with future problems.

How does iCBT work?

Internet-based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (iCBT) is a form of psychotherapy delivered online, combining CBT principles with digital accessibility. Clients work in self-guided sessions with interactive materials such as text, video and exercises designed to teach techniques for managing negative thought patterns and behaviours. The programmes are usually divided into modules, with one module delivered each week.


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Therapeutic support is an important part of iCBT and includes feedback, guidance and encouragement through messages or video calls. Individuals are encouraged to complete practical exercises and homework between sessions to apply the learning to real-life situations.

iCBT platforms, such as Lavendla, prioritise security and confidentiality to protect their clients’ information. Research shows iCBT can be as effective as traditional CBT in treating various mental health conditions and offers a cost-effective, flexible, and accessible alternative to psychotherapy.

What can iCBT help with?

iCBT is effective in helping people with a variety of mental health conditions and challenges. This includes anxiety disorders such as generalised anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety, and specific phobias. It is also effective for treating mild to moderate depression by addressing negative thought patterns and promoting positive behavioural changes. Stress management and sleep problems such as insomnia are also well treated with iCBT.

The therapy can also address eating disorders such as bulimia and binge eating, and provide support for those with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) by helping to manage obsessive thoughts and compulsive actions. Even individuals with milder symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and those living with chronic pain can find relief through iCBT. Through being taught to change the way they think about and react to bodily sensations, people with health anxiety can also benefit from iCBT.

There is a lot of research into iCBT, with new treatments constantly being added. iCBT programmes are designed to be accessible and cost-effective, offering a flexible treatment solution that can be used by itself or as a complement to traditional therapy, depending on the specific needs of the individual and the severity of the condition.

How does iCBT treatment work?

Treatment with iCBT begins by booking an initial session with one of Lavendla’s CBT practitioners for an assessment. Goals for the therapy and a treatment plan can then be set.


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45, 60 or 90 min sessions

Choose a 45, 60, or 90-minute session, or a package, providing flexibility and control over the duration and intensity.

The user works through self-guided modules containing text, video and exercises, with tasks to be applied in everyday life. Therapeutic support is usually offered through messages or video to provide feedback and motivation. The individual continuously evaluates their own well-being through questionnaires, allowing for adjustments to the treatment if necessary.

At the end of treatment, a summary assessment is done to evaluate progress and plan for further work and strategies from the therapy. Follow-ups are also offered to help maintain the positive changes made. iCBT is flexible and allows the person to move through the treatment at their own pace, making it an effective tool for managing multiple mental health conditions.


12 common questions about iCBT

What is iCBT?

It is a form of psychotherapy provided online and based on the principles of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).

What is CBT?

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based form of psychotherapy designed to change negative thought patterns, emotions and behaviours that contribute to mental health problems.

Is there a difference in the outcome of the therapy between meeting in-person or receiving treatment with iCBT?

Research has shown there is no difference in outcomes between in-person and iCBT.

How does iCBT work?

Individuals participate in self-guided sessions using interactive materials such as text, video and exercises, designed to teach techniques for managing negative thought patterns and behaviours. Programmes are divided into modules. During treatment, therapeutic support is provided, which may include feedback, guidance, and encouragement through messages, emails or videos, depending on the therapist.

Are tasks given between sessions?

As part of CBT, the client may complete practical exercises and homework between sessions to apply the learning to real-life situations.

What can CBT help with?

CBT can be helpful for several different conditions such as various anxiety disorders, depression, PTSD, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and more.

What are the benefits of iCBT?

Designed to be easily accessible and cost-effective, iCBT offers a flexible treatment solution that can be used alone or as a complement to traditional therapy, depending on the specific needs of the individual and the severity of the condition.

Are there any disadvantages to iCBT?

For people with severe and complex problems, in-person sessions might be recommended. There needs to be a treatment plan, and for people with ADHD, for example, this can be more difficult. Some people may also need more support from the therapist during treatment to get good results.

What contact do I have with the psychologist or therapist?

Therapeutic support with a psychologist or therapist is usually done by messaging or video to provide feedback and motivation.

Can you also have video calls in iCBT?

Lavendla’s team of therapists provides treatment online via video conference.

What should be considered in terms of safety with online therapy?

Security and confidentiality are crucial in online therapy, so Lavendla’s video conferencing platform is secure and encrypted to ensure the highest possible level of privacy.

Where can I seek help?

If you want to seek therapy, we recommend you contact a licensed psychologist or therapist. Feel free to book an initial session with one of our therapists to find out how they can help you. We help make the difficult easier.

Treatment with cognitive behavioral therapy

These are the common treatment steps of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), a method that can be used online for many different problem areas and conditions:

Understanding and assessment

The first step is to understand the problem and that it is okay to seek help for it. A licensed psychologist or therapist can help you assess your situation based on your life situation. You may also be asked to complete assessment forms.

Psychoeducation and objectives

You learn about the problem and how it affects you both physically and mentally. It is important to understand what is happening in your body, thoughts and feelings. Goals are set for the treatment.

Tools to change behaviours and patterns

This works on identifying and changing patterns of thinking linked to the problem. This helps you develop a more nuanced picture and increase your ability to manage emotions, thoughts, and change behaviours. With your therapist, you will explore situations and learn how to deal with them. Homework will be given for practicing between sessions.

Monitoring and evaluating progress

You will have support from your psychologist throughout the process. At the end of the treatment, you will also receive a plan to continue practicing and maintain your progress over time. Book an initial session through our website with one of our licensed psychologists or therapists to see how they can help you.


Written by Dominic Wardall

Dominic is a Cape Town-based copywriter and editor with extensive background and studies in psychology. Dominic is a central part of the articles written on Lavendla.