My approach to therapy

When you start your journey of looking for a therapist there are so many types of therapy out there that it can feel a bit overwhelming. I understand that it can be tricky to navigate all the information and to find the right fit for you. It is important that you take time to think about what it is you want from therapy and to find a therapist that fits with that.

The talking therapies I provide offer a safe confidential space where you are able to express yourself freely without judgement.

Below is an overview of the problems I work with and an overview of the types of therapy I use to help you in working towards your goals.

Problems I can help with

Work related stress
Stress and anxiety
Generalised anxiety disorder
Panic Disorder
Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD)
Habit disorders (E.g. skin picking)
Health anxiety
Specific phobias
Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Social anxiety
Depression and low mood
Low self-esteem
Sleep problems

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

All of us experience unpleasant thoughts and feelings and this is a normal part of life. Through my work I have found that often it is the way in which we try to cope with these unpleasant thoughts and feelings which typically becomes the problem. This is why my approach will teach you the skills to be able to cope when these thoughts and feelings pop up.

CBT is an evidence-based therapy for anxiety and mood disorders. This approach helps you to identify patterns of thoughts and behaviour which may be keeping you stuck and contributing to your difficulties.

CBT is generally a time-limited therapy (12-20 sessions) which aims to teach you strategies to manage difficult thoughts and feelings. This is an active therapy and you will be asked to complete between session tasks to aid you in your progress. Much like physiotherapy, if you only attend the weekly session and do not practice between times you will get less benefit from the therapy.

I use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) throughout my work, which is a type of CBT. This is predominantly a behavioural therapy which helps you to change your relationship with your thoughts and feelings. In my work, I will help you to identify the most important values in your life and support you in developing the skills to navigate difficulty to work towards the life you want for yourself. There is no one size fits all for therapy, so I will help you to discover what works best for you. I also make use of mindfulness in my CBT to support you in developing all the skills you need to become your own therapist.

How I work

I am currently offering remote sessions via Zoom that last 50-60 minutes. Dependant on the problem you are looking for help with, on occasion sessions can last 90 minutes. The number of sessions I offer you will vary depending on your needs. After your assessment we would agree together an initial contract for the number of sessions and this will be regularly reviewed.