By Professor Emily A Holmes Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Uppsala University, Sweden School of Psychology, University of Southampton, UK

A Personal and Professional Journey  My initial encounter with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) was simply an academic exploration of one therapeutic approach among many. However, this academic interest quickly evolved into a profound personal and professional calling, powerfully shaping my career and ultimately sparking a movement for psychotherapy education across the Arab world. During my second year of university, I was introduced to CBT. At the time, I was deeply drawn to Carl Rogers and the humanistic tradition, with its emphasis on empathy, relational depth, and the inherent potential for growth. Yet, Aaron Beck’s cognitive model, with its elegant and practical connection between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, resonated deeply within me. I recognized it not merely as a theory, but as a practical tool for living, something that could be applied, shared, and taught.