Typically, a course of therapy is an assessment, and then between six and twelve sessions. It usually takes three sessions to establish an individualised plan. This will involve a ‘formulation’, which is a process diagram specifying the main problem and its maintaining factors i.e. the thoughts, behaviours, emotions and physical symptoms/sensations keeping the problem going.

Once the formulation is clear, and you are happy it makes sense, we talk about what to do in the remaining sessions for you to get where you want to be.

CBT/EMDR and ACT are active and practical therapies where change comes through working on exercises between the sessions (with my support and guidance). For example, this might involve committing the formulation to memory, keeping a diary, planning activities, learning to identify and evaluate thoughts, and carrying out experiments in relevant settings.

Whether it is depression, anxiety, chronic pain or trauma, each issue tends to have particular exercises and techniques to work on associated with it. We will try out different ones until you find the tools which work. Some will work for you better than others. Our job is to have an open mind and an experiment approach to discover which ones are most effective for you.

It is an ongoing learning process where the end goal is a ‘formula’ for staying well and maintaining progress. Therapy will have been effective when you feel confident with the ‘formula’ and are satisfied you have the skills, knowledge and tools to be your own therapist. The more momentum and consistency there is the better, especially in the early stages (3-4 weeks) where I recommend an appointment a week.

Cancellations happen but it is best to keep them to a minimum and please give me 48 hours notice.

To get started just email me a short description of the main problem, and your availability.

If we decide to proceed, appointments last 50 – 60 minutes via Zoom and my non concessionary rate is £95.00. An assessment and three sessions is likely to be enough see if CBT/EMDR/ACT is for you and that you feel comfortable working with me.

Many thanks.

Step 1: Send me an e-mail with a short description of the main problem to see if I can help. I will then get back to you about an introductory chat if clarification is needed.

Step 2: In-depth assessment.

Step 3: Identifying the main problem and mapping out what is keeping it going.

Step 4: Identifying, using, experimenting with and reviewing tools, techniques, strategies and new perspectives to assist you with the main issues.

Step 5: Creating a formula, or a ‘staying well’ plan, to put into practice.