My Experience

I have been working therapeutically in the NHS with people experiencing mental health difficulties as a Registered Mental Health Nurse (RNMH) since 2009. I have worked with people who have a broad range of mental health diagnoses (psychosis, depression, bi-polar disorder, anxiety), as well as supporting people to address substance use problems, anxiety, low self-esteem, long term physical health complications, difficulties managing extreme emotions and interpersonal difficulties. I also have significant experience of working with people who are in a mental health crisis  providing interventions/treatment for self-harm/suicidal behaviour, acute stress reactions, trauma and past or current abuse and bereavement. I have an interest in holistic therapy in the context that “medication does not teach life skills” thus working collaboratively with patient’s focussing on their strengths to influence behaviour change to enable them manage their symptoms effectively on their own.

What is a Trainee CBT Therapist ?

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) training is a one-year full time or 2-year part time post graduate diploma (PGDip) programme, involving clinical placements, academic teaching and multiple assessments. In order to complete the course and become accredited by British Association for Behavioural & Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP), there is a requirement that I have a wide range of experience of working with people with varying diagnosis and/or presentations to demonstrate I meet the high standards of training and experience in CBT.

I have successfully completed the first half of my training and will be doing my clinical placement with Avenue Therapies this year.  I will be working with clients with a range of difficulties, under the supervision of qualified Clinical Psychologist/CBT Therapist and accredited CBT supervisor. Whilst I remain in training, I am up to date with recent research related to my clients’ difficulties and the latest evidence based practice. I will also be  regularly assessed to ensure I am adhering to recommended models for treatments and delivering care to the highest standard.

I work with individuals with a range of presentations, including different anxiety presentations and low mood/depression, deemed appropriate for my level of training. I do offer sessions at a discounted rate. Do not hesitate to get in touch if you wish to seek more information about working with a Trainee CBT Therapist

My Values

I value the role of the therapeutic relationship, based on collaborative working in understanding peoples reason for change. I aim to guide and support them to find their own unique solutions by focusing on set goals. This will facilitate the opportunity to work with people and their values to support problem solving and provide them with skills to make the changes they will want to make. I always aim to understand people’s reason for change, listening to their own solutions and empowering them to feel they can change.

The Models I Work With

I practice a range of psychological therapies depending on the individual’s distinctive formulation (see below) following a detailed assessment which is shared with you. This will cover your main identified difficulties, how they are currently impacting on you, stopping you from moving forward and your set goals for therapy. However, I do rely mainly on the cognitive and behavioural models from CBT as well as skills and principles from dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) and compassion focused therapy (CFT).

What does formulation mean?

Formulation enables the therapist to identify where the strong links are between thoughts, feelings, behaviours and physical symptoms, and the specific things that need to change for the patient to feel better.

Clinic Information

I currently hold a virtual clinic /face to face and offer appointments on Thursday and Friday evenings. I am also able to offer face to face on Saturday daytime though appointments will be limited. I work with people in the age range 18-65 years.

Training and Qualifications

  • Post Graduate Certificate in CBT, Hertfordshire University – 2019 – 2020
  • Introduction to Theory and Practice of Compassion-Focused Therapy, The Compassionate Mind Foundation 2020
  • 8-week Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy Training (MBCT) West London NHS Trust – 2019
  • 10 Day Intensive Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, British Isles DBT Training, West London NHS Trust 2018 – 2019
  • Independent and Supplementary Prescribing (Nurse Prescriber), University of West London 2018 – 2019
  • Independent Best Interest Assessor (BIA) Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS), University of East London – 2016 – 2017
  • Post Graduate Diploma in Dual Diagnosis, Middlesex University – 2010 – 2012
  • BSc (Hons) in Nursing “Mental Health”, Buckinghamshire New University – 2006 – 2009

Professional Registration

  • Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) Membership Number: 09B1930E
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