Finder

Specialises in

• Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)

• Counselling

About me

CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) is my main therapeutic approach, and I specialise in a type of CBT called ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy).

CBT and ACT are about change, and we will invest in modifying the way you relate to your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. You will learn that you have a choice: to do what matters and to take committed action. This means 'doing what it takes' to live a rich and meaningful life while effectively handling the distress of difficult thoughts and feelings, that inevitably goes with it.

CBT is collaborative and more directive than Counselling. We would work together to develop new understandings of your experiences and then develop ways to help you move forward. It is a problem-solving approach, and you will learn specific skills that you can use for the rest of your life. We will look at 'what you want' out of therapy and structure the sessions to help you address these goals. This is often achieved by making changes to behaviours and thinking patterns which may be unhelpful to you.

In ACT you will learn how to remain in contact with the present moment (to be here now) rather than 'time travelling' in your mind e.g., worrying about the future or stuck in the past.

In ACT you will learn how to actively open-up and make room for unwanted internal experiences be they thoughts, feelings, memories, urges, or sensations. You will learn to 'watch your thinking.' Defusion (or 'unhooking') skills will help you to notice, acknowledge and separate yourself from your thoughts, to 'step back' and observe them, instead of being dominated by them.

I am accredited with both the BABCP (British Association for Behavioural & Cognitive Psychotherapists) and the BACP (British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy). Accreditation with the BABCP demonstrates that, as a CBT therapist, I have met the stringent criteria around qualifications and clinical experience. As a BABCP accredited CBT therapist I adhere to their ethical framework. My practice receives regular supervision and I am required to undertake ongoing training as a mandatory part of my continuing professional development.

I have a background in scientific research and as a schoolteacher. I have worked as a therapist in Primary Care for almost 15 years; firstly, for MIND and then for the NHS prior to working in private practice. I work with adults with a range of mental health difficulties.

I hold a PhD in Psychopharmacology, an MA in Integrative Counselling, and a Post Graduate Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.

Therapy can seem daunting and so it is important that you feel supported, respected, and comfortable. My practice is about being genuine, warm, and non-judgemental and where you feel that you can make an active contribution at any time.

Both CBT and ACT require your investment during and between sessions, firstly as we understand how therapy makes sense of the difficulties you have and then by discussing whether there are other ways of looking at things. We will think about how you can try things out and then gradually test out these new ideas, by practicing new ways of thinking and behaving, in your everyday life. Your involvement and feedback will be hugely important. By putting what you have learned into practise and discussing your observations you will learn how to manage your difficulties in a different way. Experiential learning is key. You will learn how to help yourself.

Towards the end of your sessions, we will specifically review how things have gone and how you feel about ending therapy. We will also work out a relapse prevention plan to avoid problems becoming major difficulties again.

I am here to help and look forward to hearing from you.

Areas of interest

Areas of interest
Overthinking (worry and rumination); Anxiety; Low-mood; Depression; Self-criticism; Low self-esteem; Difficult life issues; Generalised Anxiety Disorder; Panic; Low Self-esteem; Social Anxiety; Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD); Insomnia; Menopause; Perfectionism; Binge eating; Trauma and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD); Health Anxiety; Phobias; Insomnia; Anger; Loss; Bereavement; Abuse.

Specialist interests and expertise in the following physical conditions

• Psychophysiological disorders