What is psychological therapy?

As a Clinical Psychologist I aim to support people to improve their overall well being when they are facing  challenges in their lives. I will talk with you about the current difficulties you are facing and we will work together to understand these difficulties. We will then explore practical and psychological coping strategies so that these challenges begin to feel more manageable for you.

I can give advice about the kinds of coping strategies that have been effective for managing distress in others. However, you and I will work together to find techniques best suited to your individual needs. Such strategies may include mindfulness and compassion exercises and other techniques that help people to notice and respond to unhelpful patterns of thoughts, feelings and behaviours. My therapy sessions are informed by the the well evidenced frameworks of Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT),  Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). I also offer EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) for processing trauma and PTSD stemming from recent or historical life events. 

Talking therapy sessions are usually an hour in length and typically you would attend these on your own. The session will provide a safe, non-judgemental and confidential space for you to speak openly about your concerns. There is no rule about how many sessions people should attend for therapy to be helpful, as everyone has different concerns and reasons for seeking support. However, on average I see people for between 6 and 12 weekly or fortnightly appointments. 

Low Mood / Depression

Anxiety 

Trauma & post-traumatic stress

Stress (including work-related stress & burnout)

Sleep difficulties & insomnia

Bereavement

Low self-esteem 

Relationship concerns

Adjustment to long-term health conditions (e.g. Cancer / Diabetes / Chronic Pain / Chronic Fatigue / Fibromyalgia / IBS).

The first appointment will typically last for around 50 minutes. In this session you will have chance to explain your current concerns and I will ask you some questions to build up a more detailed picture of the challenges you are facing. You will not be expected to discuss anything that you do not wish to but sharing as much as you feel comfortable with will help me to gain a fuller understanding of your concerns. 

At the end of the session you and I will jointly decide whether to meet again, how frequently and on what concerns to focus our attention. I will only suggest that we meet again if I feel able to help you with your specific difficulties. If I feel your needs might be better supported elsewhere we will talk about alternative options.

"Thanks so much for your support over the past 3 months Leah - it has been really helpful in terms of me making some sense of everything. I've really appreciated your warm, kind approach and your wise reflections"

"My therapy sessions with Dr Leah have been invaluable. I have never felt so listened to and understood .She is so present and authentic. She combines support and encouragement with sharp insights and appropriate challenge. She is extremely professional yet friendly and warm. I always felt safe and in really good hands. I cannot recommend Dr Leah highly enough!"

"Sessions with Leah have made a huge positive impact on my quality of life. Over six months we have been able to examine and work through many aspects of my stress, anxiety, and mental health challenges, and I've come out of it feeling that I have learned long-term skills to support my wellbeing and day-to-day happiness. Leah is an awesomely professional and supportive psychologist, and through her considerate, intelligent and empathetic practice has helped me make more positive change within my life and thinking habits than I'd ever imagined was possible. I would recommend highly to anyone and everyone."