Therapies I Offer
CBT
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is considered to be the most effective therapy for a range of problems, including all anxiety disorders and depression. It is a change based therapy that helps people to work towards their goals. This is done by breaking cycles of unhelpful thinking and behaviour that keep the difficulties going. Find out more here: https://www.babcp.com/What-is-CBT
CFT
Compassion Focused Therapy has evolved from CBT and uses principles from neuroscience. It is an incredibly powerful approach that has increasing evidence base for the alleviation of mental health difficulties and the promotion of wellbeing. It is especially helpful for problems associated with shame and self-criticism.
ACT
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy uses acceptance and mindfulness strategies that enable commitment to meaningful behavioural change. It has a good evidence base and can be particularly helpful for people with anxiety, depression, stress, long-term conditions and persistent physical symptoms that impact wellbeing, such as chronic pain.
The Therapy Process
Initial Free Consultation
-
Contact me to arrange a free, confidential phone or online consultation
-
This is an opportunity to share an overview of your difficulties
-
I'll advise on the next steps and answer any questions you may have
-
There is no obligation to proceed or decide straight away
Assessment
-
We arrange a time to meet for a full psychological assessment
-
This consists of approximately two, one-hour sessions (but can be more where needed)
-
I will score and interpret a number of questionnaires that I have given you to complete
-
I will ask more questions about your difficulties in the present and how they developed (as well as give diagnoses where relevant)
-
We will start to identify what is keeping the problem going
-
We can look further back into your history and make links with the present
-
I will also get a fuller picture of your world, for example, your social set-up, employment, medication, previous treatments etc.
-
We can start to think about what you would want to be different and your goals
-
Recommendations will then be given for how best to treat your difficulties
-
There is no obligation to commit to therapy and you do not have to decide straight away
Treatment
-
Weekly sessions are optimal for gaining momentum, but this can be adjusted based on your preference
-
Sessions are 50 minutes long and can be offered in the daytime or evening, face-to-face or online
-
We start by setting goals and developing a shared psychological understanding of your problem
-
A range of cognitive and behavioural techniques will help you overcome your difficulties and move towards change
-
Applying these outside of therapy sessions will further help you reach your goals
-
The latter part of therapy will focus on relapse prevention and supporting you to maintain your gains
-
Some sessions can be offered with family members/ partners during this process if it is deemed helpful to support you
Follow Up
-
A follow-up appointment is recommended at three months post-therapy
-
Booster sessions can be offered if needed
-
You can contact me at any stage after the completion of treatment if you wish to discuss anything or obtain further support