FAQ's

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a practical and collaborative form of talking therapy. It looks at how our thoughts, feelings and behaviours can influence one another, and how we can sometimes find ourselves caught in patterns that keep difficulties going.

In CBT, we'll work together to understand what might be contributing to the difficulties you're experiencing and explore different ways of responding to them. The aim isn't simply to "think positively", but to develop a better understanding of your own patterns and learn practical strategies that can help you make meaningful changes.

CBT is usually focused on the here and now, although we may also think about past experiences when they are helpful in understanding what's happening for you today.

You don’t need to have everything figured out before you get in touch. You may know exactly what you’d like help with, or you might simply know that something isn’t feeling right and you’d like things to be different.

We can use our first conversation to make sense of what’s been happening and think together about whether CBT feels like the right approach for you. If we decide to work together, we’ll look at the patterns that may be keeping you stuck and explore practical ways of making changes.

And if I think another type of support would be better suited to your needs, I’ll always be open and honest about that and try to point you in the right direction. 

You don’t need to have a diagnosis to come for therapy. You might simply have noticed that you’re worrying more than you’d like, avoiding certain situations, feeling overwhelmed or stuck, or that the way you’re feeling is beginning to affect your relationships, work or everyday life.

CBT can help with a wide range of emotional and psychological difficulties, including anxiety, low mood and depression, excessive worry, panic, phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), health anxiety, social anxiety and difficulties linked to stress.

Our first session is an opportunity for us to get to know each other and begin to understand what has brought you to therapy.

We’ll talk about what you’ve been experiencing, how it’s affecting you and what you would like to be different. I may ask some questions to help me build a fuller picture of what’s going on for you, but you won’t be expected to arrive knowing exactly what to say or where to begin.

It’s also your opportunity to ask me questions and get a sense of whether you feel comfortable working with me. By the end of the session, we can begin to think together about what you would like to achieve from therapy and what our next steps might be.

No, not unless it feels helpful. CBT generally focuses on what is happening for you in the here and now and what might be keeping you feeling stuck.

That said, our past experiences can help us understand why we think, feel or respond in certain ways today. If something from your earlier life feels relevant, we can explore it together, but you won’t be expected to delve into your childhood simply because you’re having therapy.

We’ll always work collaboratively and at a pace that feels right for you.

Often, yes, but we’ll decide together what feels useful and manageable for you. CBT isn’t just about what happens during our sessions; an important part of therapy is taking what we discover together and trying things out in your everyday life.

This might involve noticing particular thoughts or patterns, practising a new skill, trying something differently, or reflecting on what we’ve discussed. It doesn’t have to mean lots of written “homework”.

We’ll agree together what might be helpful, taking into account what feels realistic for you. The aim is to help you gradually build confidence in using the ideas and strategies from therapy in your life outside our sessions.

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. The number of sessions you might need will depend on what you’re experiencing, your goals for therapy and what feels right for you.

We’ll agree together what we’re working towards and regularly review your progress. Some people find a relatively short course of CBT is enough, while others benefit from having more time.

Ultimately, the aim is for you to develop the skills and confidence to become your own therapist, so that you can continue to use what you’ve learned long after our sessions have finished.

Most people start by having a session once a week. This helps us get to know each other, understand what you’re experiencing and begin making progress towards the things you would like to change.

As you begin to feel more confident using what you’ve learned, we may choose to leave a little more time between sessions. We’ll make these decisions together and regularly review what feels most helpful for you.

It’s completely understandable to feel nervous about starting therapy, especially if it’s something you haven’t done before. You might be unsure about what to expect, what to say, or where to begin.

There’s no need to prepare or to have everything figured out before your first session. We’ll take things at a pace that feels comfortable for you, and I’ll help guide the conversation. Our first meeting is simply a chance for us to get to know each other, talk about what has brought you to therapy and begin to think about what you would like some help with.

You’ll also have the opportunity to ask questions and get a feel for whether working together feels right for you. Taking that first step can often be the hardest part, and it’s absolutely okay to feel nervous about it.

Choosing a therapist is a very personal decision. Qualifications and experience are important, but so is finding someone you feel comfortable talking to and can build a trusting relationship with.

Our first conversation gives you the opportunity to get a sense of me and how I work, as well as giving me the chance to understand what you’re looking for help with. You’re welcome to ask questions, and there’s no pressure to make a decision straight away.

The most important thing is that you feel comfortable, listened to and that working together feels right for you.

That’s absolutely okay. Finding a therapist you feel comfortable with is an important part of therapy, and sometimes two people simply aren’t the right fit.

If at any point you feel that something isn’t working for you, I’d encourage you to let me know if you feel able to. We can talk openly about how you’re finding the sessions and whether there’s anything we could do differently.

Equally, if you decide that you would prefer to work with someone else, that’s completely okay too. My priority is that you get the support that feels right for you, even if that isn’t with me.

I’m a qualified Cognitive Behavioural Therapist with a Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. I have worked in mental health for 16 years, specialising in CBT for the past 11 years. During this time, I have gained extensive experience supporting people with a wide range of difficulties, including anxiety, depression, panic, excessive worry, OCD, low self-esteem and more.

Alongside my core CBT training, I have undertaken further specialist training in Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), CBT for Long-Term Health Conditions, CBT for Insomnia, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). More recently, I have also completed a Certificate in Psychodynamic Counselling, which has further broadened my understanding and therapeutic approach.

While qualifications and experience are important, I also believe that feeling comfortable with your therapist really matters. My approach is warm, collaborative and humble. I aim to provide a space where you feel listened to, understood and able to talk openly, while working together towards the changes that are important to you.

You can read more about my qualifications, experience and approach on my About page.