It Started With a Question
Why are so many therapeutic resources disconnected from how children and young people actually learn, think, and engage?
When prepping for sessions, we often faced a frustrating choice: between using resources that were clinically accurate but text and jargon heavy, or something that offered simplicity and visual appeal but lacked theoretical grounding. We’d search for tools that felt developmentally appropriate, evidence-based and engaging — but they were few and far between.
A Different Approach, for a Better Experience
As clinicians, we’ve seen firsthand how this disconnect makes therapy harder — not just for young people, but for the therapists supporting them.
That’s why we created CBT Hub.
Our approach brings together clinical research, learning theory, and the insights of young people themselves. The result is a growing library of resources that are not only rooted in evidence, but also designed to connect with the people they’re meant to help.
Our resources are thoughtfully built around key questions to support understanding when it matters most.
Is there enough space to think?
In the middle of big feelings, less is more. Every word in our materials earns its place. We apply principles from instructional design to create space for focus and reflection — not information overload.
How do we make it easier to engage?
We break down complex ideas using chunking, visual cues, and scaffolded activities to build knowledge over time. Every worksheet is designed to support understanding and application — not just passive reading.
Does it speak to young people?
Young people tell us that design and language really matter – and we listen. We strip away jargon, explain concepts in accessible language, and use clean typography with a bold colour palette selected with their input.
Is this the best it can be?
We combine feedback from young people, clinical research, and design principles to create our resources. We keep refining until the tone, look and purpose align. We only publish knowing it’s ready to make a real difference.
Why this matters
We care about young people getting the life-changing support they deserve, when they need it.
We’ve seen the difference great therapy can make when young people connect with the process and when therapists feel equipped and confident. That’s why we design tools that speak their language, simplify complex ideas, and create space for reflection and real change.
Because when therapists have the right resources, sessions become more effective and more impactful. And that’s what every young person deserves.
“I’m genuinely impressed. These resources are thoughtfully designed, with language that make complex ideas easy to understand while helping young people feel supported — not labelled.”
Emma (Educational Psychologist)
“Deya really listens, and we have worked on the words and layout together. I like that they actually care what young people think. It makes the resources better and more fun to use.”
Lucas (Young person, 13)
Who we are
Deya Roberts (CBT Hub Founder)
Deya is a High Intensity CBT Therapist, CYP-IAPT Clinical Supervisor and Associate University Lecturer in EMHP and CWPs programmes. With over a decade of commitment to therapeutic practice, she has focused on working with children and young people in both clinical and educational settings.
Throughout her career, Deya has taken on clinical leadership responsibilities, including roles within Mental Health Support Teams. Deya remains dedicated to providing CBT interventions and clinical supervision, supporting both young people and fellow therapists.
Bella Datta (CBT Hub Founder)
Bella is an experienced teacher and psychological wellbeing practitioner, with a keen interest in research. She has an MPhil in Psychology and Education from the University of Cambridge, and her work on mindfulness interventions with students has been published in academic journals.
Her work in schools and NHS Mental Health Teams has provided Bella with valuable insights into how the right materials significantly increase engagement with young people. She is passionate about combining her psychology background and pedagogical classroom knowledge to develop resources that are accessible, engaging and research based.
Dr. Luisa Sanz (CBT Hub Consultant)
Dr. Sanz is a consultant child and adolescent psychiatrist and serves as a clinical director in the NHS. With over 25 years of experience, she is deeply passionate about her work and dedicated to enhancing mental health services for young people and their families. She has played a pivotal role in developing services and improving care provision.
Dr. Sanz is also the founder of Mind Yr Life, a platform committed to breaking the stigma surrounding mental health by fostering open and honest conversations about lived experiences. This and her passion for mental health advocacy align perfectly with our mission and we are thrilled to have her on board.