About Me, CBT & ACT

Every Psychologist practises differently, so I'd like to explain a little about my style of working so you know what you can expect from therapy sessions with me and also how this may differ from other therapies.

I am a Counselling Psychologist offering both long-term and time-limited therapy, with sessions taking place on a fortnightly basis.

My approach draws primarily on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) in addition to which I use elements of Mindfulness and aspects of third-wave approaches such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Metacognitive Therapy.

CBT is an effective and evidence-based type of psychological therapy, useful across a broad range of presenting difficulties. It is a talking therapy designed to help you identify key aspects of your thoughts, behaviours and emotions, and to understand how these may be interacting with one another and influencing your day-to-day perceptions of yourself and the world around you.

ACT focusses on helping you identify key values and priorities in your life, enabling you to move towards living a rich, full and meaningful life even in the context of those things which we may be unable to change.

Through the process of therapy, alongside gaining self-awareness, thoughts will be challenged and new behaviours trialled with the overall aim of moving you towards positive change in line with your priorities. I believe that classic CBT and ACT tools and techniques are most effective when employed with sensitivity and creativity and tailored to your specific therapy needs. As such, no two courses of therapy are the same as your needs will be different from those of others.

My clinical work emphasises a flexible and collaborative approach to therapy, focused on your goals and underpinned by clear communication and a non-judgemental, safe, therapeutic environment. I think it's important that instead of making assumptions, we take the time to understand and jointly formulate your difficulties so that you get the most from therapy. Throughout our sessions, we will work to explore issues, increase self-understanding and develop the tools and resources needed to make substantial and lasting positive change. Our sessions will aim to equip you with the longer term skills to maintain and build upon your therapeutic gains even after the therapy process has come to an end.

Qualifications & Experience

MA (Cantab), CPsychol - Chartered Counselling Psychologist

I have worked with the NHS since 2006 and have undertaken private, independent practice in more recent years. Over this time, I have worked extensively with clients with a wide range of presenting problems including anxiety, depression, ME / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (and other Medically Unexplained Persistent Symptoms), abuse, post-traumatic stress, phobias, obsessive-compulsive behaviour and thinking, identity issues, gender dysphoria, loss, low self-esteem, low motivation and relationship difficulties (communication, sex, trust, infidelity, adjusting to change, etc.).

I am a Chartered member of the British Psychological Society (BPS) and a member of the Division of Counselling Psychology.

I am registered as a Practitioner Psychologist with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and also hold accreditation as a Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist with the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP).

​I have also completed BPS training as a Psychological Supervisor conferring eligibility for inclusion on the Register of Applied Psychology Practice Supervisors (RAPPS).