What is Cognitive Behaviour Therapy?
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) is a form of talking therapy with a strong evidence-base for people experiencing common mental health problems such as low mood, loss of interest or pleasure in doing things, negative and self-critical thinking, social withdrawal, excessive worrying, anxiety and panic attacks that leads to the avoidance of places or things that interfere with every day life.
CBT focuses on the problems you are currently experiencing whilst emphasising the relationship between life events, thoughts, feelings, body symptoms and your behaviours. It helps you to address the way you think and what you do in order to improve how you feel. It is suitable for people who are motivated to change and interested in a solution-focused approach.
How does CBT differ from other interventions?
CBT and Counselling have some similarities in that they are both forms of psychological approaches aimed at overcoming psychological and emotional distress. However, the evidence suggests that CBT should be the treatment of choice for all anxiety and mood based disorders. Counselling works by helping you understand issues and identifying feelings particularly related to low mood or mild to moderate depression.
I am an experienced Cognitive Behaviour Therapist and accredited with the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS). Your journey towards healing and self-discovery will happen in a compassionate, self-accepting, and motivating environment. I trained in a clinical NHS setting and worked in a multidisciplinary team alongside psychologists, counsellors and psychiatrists. I hold two Master's Degrees, one in Counselling Psychology and one in Human Resource Management (Occupational Psychology) and have experience working with adults in both private, NHS and workplace settings. My extensive background allows me to address a broad range of emotional and psychological difficulties, from anxiety and depression to employee motivation and performance. I have also worked with both adults and teenagers (over 16), and I provide a safe and supportive space where insight, self-care and, most importantly, change and growth can be achieved.
I studied Social Sciences at University and chose to Major in Psychology. I initially pursued a career in Human Resources, specialising in in-house recruitment, which allowed me to continue my interest in psychology and people management and I obtained a Masters in Personnel and Development. In order to develop my interest in psychological disturbances and continue my training, I decided to follow a more clinical path and completed the Conversion Diploma in Psychology. I was awarded an MSc in Counselling Psychology and held a post as Psychological Therapist at Edgware Community Hospital under the supervision of a Consultant Clinical Psychologist from 2011 -2016 (also studying for my Doctorate in Counselling Psychology). I saw a range of clients suffering from Axis 1 (mild to moderate mood disorders) and Axis 2 (more complex needs and personality disorders) and held a position in an inpatient setting "Acute Needs" (Secondary Care).
I have also successfully completed the Specialist Diploma in CBT/REBT and continued my specialist CBT training further on the Advanced Course 1 and Advanced Course 2 where I have covered DBT, ACT, CFT, Schema Therapy and Mindfulness Training.
I have worked for the NHS both in both inpatient and outpatient settings (primary and secondary care) and at Step 3 and Step 4 (NHS) IAPT roles as a CBT Therapist. At Step 3 IAPT I focused on mild to moderate disturbances, including phobias, OCD, body dysmorphia, low self-esteem, anger management and assertiveness training, panic, anxiety, social anxiety, performance anxiety, depression, poor emotion regulation, self-harm and trauma. At Step 4 I provided Trauma Stabilisation and Trauma Focused Therapy in a multi-disciplinary service and worked with patients with enduring and complex needs, including personality disorder, bi-polar disorder, complex trauma / PTSD, chronic depression and anxiety disorders. Patients' ages ranged from 16 years onwards.
If you're looking for a highly experienced and qualified cognitive behavioural therapist in London, contact me today. My quiet therapy room in Edgware is ready to welcome you.
Telephone: 07568 541182
Email: help@sc-therapies.co.uk
Address: Mill Hill Therapy Hub, 27 Hale Drive, London, NW7 3EL