There are different types of counselling approaches. My primary therapeutic approach is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), an evidence-based method that focuses on altering detrimental thought patterns and behaviors. CBT is a collaborative approach where the client and therapist work together. This also involves some tasks to complete outwith therapy, although these will be agreed with you during each session.

In relation to treating OCD, I offer both inferenced based CBT and ERP.

Inference based CBT is an evidence based intervention designed speicifally for treating OCD that looks at how OCD creates the appearance of logic to create a sense of urgency, and convince us that this is something we need to engage with.

This therapy helps break down OCDs tricks and develop tools to help us stay out of the OCD bubble. This is a gentler, more gradual approach than ERP and can be useful for people who do not want to complete exposures.

This is a newer treatment than ERP, however is also evidence based and is now accepted as part of the NHS Matrix in Scotland.

Please see this link for more infromation on i-CBT for OCD.

What is I-CBT? – Inference-based Cognitive-Behavorial Therapy

Exposure Response Prevention is a long standing treatment for OCD which involves exposure to obsessions without using compulsions or sfaety behaviours. This is undertaken in a gradual way, working from exposure to things which cause less anxiety, to those which cause more, in line with individual needs, however it is expected that some anxiety will be experienced when undertaking ERP. 

For both modalities, work at home outwith session is also expected to ensure progress, as well as working within the session itself.

Additionally, I incorporate some techniques from third-wave CBT modalities like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy as needed.

CBT is a cognitive behavioural therapy. This means that it works with cognitions (thoughts/images) and looks at the cycle of how these impact actions, and emotions.

For example, an individual may have had previous experience of  events such as bullying at school, which impact on their view of themselves and others, leading to core beliefs such as a "I am unloveable".

In day to day life, this may lead to thoughts such as "no one really wants me to attend the party" or "people don't really like me, they are just putting up with me".

CBT will examine any evidence for these thoughts and look at unhelpful thinking patterns which may be impacting. For example, an individual with 'mental filter' unhelpful thinking style may focus excessively on one negative encounter and discount many positive enounters. 

CBT will also look at how these thinking styles may impact behaviours. For example, behaviours which may follow may include not attending events or not engaging with people, which may increase isolation and low mood, and make it difficult for individuals to gather new evidence to challenge previous negative beliefs. 

Once we have an awareness of these, we will then work together to take small steps to implement change.

I use a collaborative approach to work with clients, respecting your autonomy. I may be the expert in CBT, but you are the expert in you! We will work together to ensure that you are challenged, but supported. You may be asked to step outside your comfort zone at times, as this is necessary for change, but we will do this together and you will be supported to work at your own pace. 

Therapy is delivered online using the Zoom platform. This allows you to access therapy from the comfort of your own home, this helps overcome the barriers caused by low mood or anxiety, which can make it difficult to leave home and attended face to face therapy. This also allows for easier access around other commitments such as childcare.

I also realise that some people are anxious about using Zoom, and being seen online. There is no obligation to put on your camera if you are not comfortable with this, however it can be helpful in building a therapeutic relationship.

During your first session, you'll have the opportunity to discuss your concerns and goals for therapy with myself. This initial meeting helps me to understand your needs and develop a treatment plan.

It is strongly recommended that sessions take place weekly as this will allow you to see progress more quickly, and ensure momentum as gaps between session can slow progress.

If there are barriers to this, such as finances or work commitments, we can also discuss possible fortnightly sessions, although progress is likely to be slower. For fortnightly slots, the same session day/ time cannot be guarenteed.

For iCBT, I strongly recommend that at least the initial stage is undertaken on a weekly basis.

You can schedule a session by contacting us through our website contact form, or email.

Online therapy costs £55 per session. This is delivered through Zoom.

There may be some low cost spaces available (see Cost page). Please note there is currently a waiting list for these.

I currently only work with adults.