What is CBT?
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a type of talking therapy that helps you manage your problems by changing the way you think and behave. It is based on the concept that your thoughts, feelings, physical symptoms and behaviour are all connected. When we experience common mental health problems such as stress, anxiety and depression we can engage in unhelpful thinking and behaviours which can keep the problem going. CBT looks at identifying these and changing them to more helpful ways of behaving and thinking to reduce the problem. CBT focuses on the 'here and now' rather than focusing on your past and has a good track record of success with a wide range of mental health difficulties. CBT follows a structured colloborative approach outlining the areas you want to focus on in relation to your difficulties you want to work on. It will also involve you building on this in between sessions.
What shall I expect in the first session?
Following your initial free consultation, the first session appointment will then allow us to gain a more detailed understanding of your main difficulties. including your hopes and goals for therapy. It will outline how we can address this using CBT. On some occasions, we may require two sessions to cover this. Ongoing sessions will then focus on making active change and working towards your therapy goals.
How many sessions will I need?
It very depends your individual circumstances. Typically, a course of treatment can vary between 6 to 12 sessions but this will be influenced by individual need.
How frequently will I need to come?
Regular attendance is necessary as this is linked with improved outcomes and it allows the therapeutic process to work. It is advisable that sessions happen on a weekly basis to enable this to happen. Your sessions therefore will ideally take place on the same day and time each week during your course of treatment.
How long is a therapy session?
Sessions will last approximately 50 minutes each.
What happens if I can't come to my sessions? What is your cancellation policy?
I have a 48 hour cancellation policy. That means that any sessions that are cancelled with less than 48 hours notice will be charged by the full session fee.
How do I pay for sessions?
I accept both cash and bank transfer for payment for sessions. I am able to offer sessions through your insurance. I am currently registered with AXA, Aviva, Bupa and Vitality.
Other Therapeutic Techniques
EMDR
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Densensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR). This is commonly used in the treatment of trauma but there is growing research of its effectiveness in other areas. The idea behind EMDR is that our psychological difficulties are due to the past distressing life experiences/memories that have not been processed properly by the brain. As a result of this psychological difficulties will continue to exist until these experiences/memories are processed by the brain. It invloves bi-lateral stimulation which activates both the right and the left side of the brain so that the brain can process distressing memories. This can comprise of eye movements, tapping or sounds that occurs in a sequence of left to right.
Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT)
ACT focuses on the acceptance of difficult thoughts and feelings. This is combined with a focus on your individual values and committing to your goals that are in line with these values.
Compassionate Focus Therapy (CFT)
CFT is commonly used to support people who are experiencing emotions such as shame and self criticism. It enables individuals to develop a more compassionate approach to themselves and others.
Mindfulness
Mindfulness is about being aware of what is happening in the present without making judgements about what you notice.
Face to Face verses online therapy?
They are both equally both effective for delivering therapy. The choice is yours - online enables you to have more flexibility in attending sessions whilst face to face enables the therapist to pick up on non verbal cues more easily.
How do I access online therapy?
You will need to have access to the internet via computer, laptop or other device with a microphone, camera and screen such as a phone. You will be sent a calender invite which will provide you with a secure online link. Prior to the session starting click onto this link and it will take you to a virtual meeting room and I will bring you into the online treatment clinic when you session starts.
Is there parking available for face-to-face sessions?
Yes - there is parking available at both sites
So...........What is my next step? How do I start?
All you have to do is call me or drop me a message for a free initial consultation.