Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a talking therapy focused on the relationships between our cognitions (this can be negative thoughts or distressing images that we experience or unhelpful beliefs or assumptions that we have developed), the way we behave or respond to situations or others, and how we feel both emotionally and physically.  When we don’t feel our best we can fall into unhelpful patterns of thinking and responding that make us feel worse. CBT provides a way to identify and understand unhelpful patterns that have established themselves and explore alternative ways of thinking about and responding to challenges which can improve the way that we feel. Whilst CBT does take into account past experiences that may influence how we currently make sense of situations, primarily it is focused on the here and now maintenance of difficulties, providing practical ways to improve our psychological state.

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CBT has an established evidence base for helping a wide variety of problems. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends CBT as the treatment of choice for clinical depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive-disorder (OCD) and other anxiety disorders including panic, social anxiety and generalised anxiety disorder.

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Whilst CBT is focused on change, I also draw on mindfulness and mindfulness based approaches of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT). Mindfulness is a practise of learning to pay attention to the present moment without judging or responding to what arises in that moment. It can be particularly helpful for those who recognise they spend a lot of time dwelling on the past or worrying about the future which are characteristic features of depression and anxiety difficulties. ACT aims to teach us to accept what we can’t control and to commit to action that improves and enriches life. CFT draws on our understanding of evolutionary psychology and neuroscience to enable us to develop a more compassionate approach to ourselves and / or others. It is particularly useful in working with shame and self-criticism based difficulties. Compared to CBT, the evidence-base for the use of these newer approaches in therapy is in its infancy however it is a huge growth area that continues to develop at a significant rate.

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The first one or two sessions are focused on assessment. I will ask you questions and may ask you to complete one or two questionnaires to understand your difficulties and how they impact you and your life. We will also explore any history relevant to your current difficulties and think about what you would like to work towards in therapy. The assessment will also be an opportunity for you to ask questions and decide if I am the right therapist for you. If we agree that working together will be beneficial, we will develop a treatment plan which will include an initial idea of treatment duration. Following assessment we will move into treatment which we will review together from session to session.

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For therapy to be effective, commitment to regular attendance of sessions and practising new skills in between sessions and beyond treatment is very important. I usually see clients on a weekly basis for 50 minutes however there can be a small degree of flexibility in this keeping in mind that treatment effectiveness is reduced when therapy sessions are not attended regularly. Sessions can be done face to face or remotely via Zoom.

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Fees:
£90 Zoom / £105 in person for 50 minutes (longer sessions charged pro rata)

(Please note an additional £5 supplement applies for sessions between 5-8pm)

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I can offer a free 5-10 minute enquiry call if you would like to discuss any uncertainties before arranging an initial consultation. You can contact me here to discuss your needs or book an initial consultation. Whilst efforts are made to protect data, in using electronic communication methods (internet, email, messaging, phone) some degree of risk of interception remains and no data transmission via these electronic means can be guaranteed to be 100% be secure.