CBT Interventions
Therapies offered reflect the research evidence and NICE* recommendations regarding the most effective treatment approaches for particular difficulties.
Interventions offered are based on an approach called cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), the most widely supported treatment approach for depressive and anxiety disorders as well as for many other mental health problems. CBT is based on the idea that how we feel may be affected by negative biases in our thinking (cognition) and subsequent ways of responding (our behaviours). Such unhelpful patterns may lead to the development of vicious circles which can seem to spin out of control. CBT helps people identify the thinking patterns and behavioural strategies that keep their problems going (or vicious circles spinning) so as to help them continue with their life goals.
CBT is very much a collaborative process where client and clinician work together in partnership. The process is also a relatively short term, structured, goal oriented approach that aims to empower people to efficiently achieve measurable improvements in their well being.
There is often a several month waiting list for CBT therapy on the NHS and it can be difficult to find a private CBT therapist. CBT therapy is typically carried out by Psychiatrists, Psychologists or specially trained Psychotherapists either in the NHS or in private psychiatric hospitals such as The Priory. It is a very practical, rational approach and can help people gain back control, dealing with helplessness and other negative cognitive distortions.
As well as adhering to the standard CBT model, other methods of CBT I practice include mindfulness CBT. Mindfulness CBT works as a third way. Instead of engaging with negative thoughts, images and emotions, or trying to distance ourselves from them, the aim is to allow them to be there, to accept them but to neglect them.The mind works by the fact that paradoxically, as we accept these negative images and feelings, and allow them to be there without fixing on them, the mind moves on rather like a stream of consciousness, on to the next thing. I also practice components of dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT). The term "dialectical" refers to a philosophic exercise in which two opposing views are discussed until a logical blending or balance of the two extremes—the middle way—is found. DBT has been found useful in borderline personality disorder and complex PTSD. Schema CBT identifies unhelpful belief patterns and helps to change these to more helpful beliefs.
Seeing a Cognitive Behavioural Therapist. What does it entail?
Before seeing a CBT practitioner it may be helpful to discuss your difficulties with your GP, to address or rule out any underlying medical reasons for your problems. Some medical conditions present with psychological features e.g. thyroid abnormalities, or diabetes, and it is useful to address these causes before anything else.
Once you have examined your physical health issues, and their relevance to having CBT, should you still want to consider CBT intervention, an initial appointment is set up providing you with an opportunity to discuss your difficulties and aims, with a view to deciding whether CBT will best meet your needs. If CBT is an appropriate option for you, you can contract for a number of sessions for further assessment of your difficulties which may then lead to participation in therapy.
You will probably be aware that psychological treatment varies between individuals. Typically, the first few sessions involve in depth assessment. Assessment often involves completing some questionnaires. These help the therapist and yourself identify both the intensity and types of symptoms you are experiencing. Following the assessment, a formulation is made and discussed with you about your difficulties. This aims to identify the processes important in the development and maintenance of your problems, and what would be the best strategy to help overcome your difficulties.
Both the assessment and formulation together help direct the development of a treatment plan. The treatment plan is negotiated with you and will give you a broad idea of what the therapy phase will involve. The therapy is usually a relatively short term process. It generally spans between six and twenty five, fifty minute sessions on average. Sessions are normally held weekly, although you may choose to space sessions out as you reach the end of the therapy.
It is possible for therapy, at least in the early stages, to activate emotive memories and/or feelings, and you can sometimes become more symptomatic before starting to feel better. Should this happen, you should inform the therapist in order that a plan can be made to manage your increase in symptoms.
Psychological Supervision
Supervision is about talking through your case load of clients or one particular client with a qualified and experienced colleague who can offer information, insight and a different perspective. This helps to ensure ethical and safe practice, aid your learning and development and also ensure your client gets the best from therapy. For the therapy professions it can also be a legal requirement.
I offer supervision sessions those psychologists wishing to attain Chartered Psychologist status or other forms of psychological supervision. Telephone supervision sessions are also available. Supervision costs are £50 an hour and are typically a minimum of one hour's supervision per month.
Fees
Invest in yourself
Initial Consultation From £50 (an initial consultation does not always equate to a full assessment as in some instances assessment may require several sessions or further investigations).
Therapy sessions From £50-£85 for one hour
Psychological assessment: from £50-£500. Fees here vary according to available background information and complexity of your case.
Price Reductions
If you are a student, un-waged, on a low income or a fellow therapist I can offer a reduction for the session fees. Please ask for further information.
I accept insurance plans.
Gift Vouchers are available
If you would like to pay for someone's therapeutic treatment as a gift or buy gift vouchers, please ensure they are amenable and want to go ahead. Please ask for further information.
Telephone Sessions from 50p/ minute (from £30 /hr)
I can offer telephone sessions worldwide to those speaking English using Skype. Time zones can be taken into consideration. Please contact me for further details.
Email sessions @ £15.00 -£25 per email
All Major Credit Cards Accepted. Payments can be made via PayPal. Please ask for details.
(A deposit may be required at time of booking)
Cancellation Fees
Please note cancellation on the day of appointment may result in the full session fee being charged. This is because with late notice it is highly unlikely that your session slot could be reallocated to someone else.
Telephone and email therapy must be paid for in advance (see payments for sessions page). Please contact me for further details (07403264431) see referrals page.
