Finder

About me

Hi, I'm Joanne, i'm an accredited Cognitive Behavioural Therapist specialising in assessment treatment of anxiety problems and depression.

My Approach

My approach is centred on acknowledging that so much of our experience as human beings has been shaped by factors that we have little or no control over. We have minds that have developed to prioritise survival over happiness, and therefore have a tendency to keep us focused on the things that are threatening to us. Furthermore, none of us got to choose our genetic make-up or the environments we grew up in, which have a huge impact on the beliefs we develop about ourselves and others, these beliefs can play a big part in driving distress.

An implicit but crucial part of coming to therapy is the focus on change, turning towards what is difficult and trying to change how we think or cope is not easy. I will help you to develop skills to manage a tricky brain and difficult emotional experiences, to make sense of the difficulties you are experiencing and to free yourself from old beliefs and fears that may be holding you back. I will encourage and support you throughout this process, ultimately my aim is for you to feel empowered, confident and able to take control of your own life so that there is no further need for therapy.


My Experience and Training

I have worked using a Cognitive Behavioural approach for over ten years in both NHS and private health care settings. CBT is a constantly evolving therapy with new techniques and ideas being incorporated to enhance its effectiveness. I make it a priority to keep abreast of new developments by attending regular training, clinical supervision, worskshops and conferences throughout the year.

My work is heavily influenced by Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), which was developed by Paul Gilbert to help people who struggle with high levels of self-criticism and shame. I have also undertaken further specialist training in EMDR (Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), which is fast becoming the treatment of choice for trauma related difficulties. I have found that CFT and EMDR have immeasurably enhanced my CBT practice, and I have seen the benefits of these approaches repeatedly in my clinical outcomes.

Areas of interest

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy; Compassion Focused Therapy; EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing)

Adults 18+; Obsessive Compulsive Disorder; Panic Attacks, Generalised Anxiety, Social Anxiety, Health Anxiety; Depression: Self-Esteem difficulties; Specific Phobias; Depression; Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder; Perfectionism; Stress