Hello, my name is Linda and I am a CBT therapist and Sensory Practitioner. I have over 13 years experience of working in the NHS.

I know it can be a challenging and daunting experience seeking out help and support in the first instance, as there is a wealth of different therapies out there. How do you know which one to choose and which one is right for you?

It is helpful to read around therapist’s qualifications and experiences, what each provides, this will give you more of an understanding as to whether they meet your individual needs.

Hopefully by accessing my profile you will be able to look at what I provide, my experience and way of working to see if I am a suitable match in helping and supporting you in regards to the difficulties you are experiencing in your life.

Qualifications

BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy

Post Graduate Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

Post Graduate Certificate in Sensory Integration

Accredited by the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP) as a CBT Therapist.

Registered Occupational Therapist by the Health and Care Professions Council.

Accredited by the University of Ulster as a Sensory Integration Practitioner.

Experience – A bit about me

Since qualifying in 2009 I have worked with older adults, adults and with children and adolescents in a variety of different settings. These have involved working in educational environments, hospitals and in community mental health teams. I have worked for the NHS for over 13 years and the majority of my work has been within the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS). This has been as a CBT therapist and also as a Sensory Practitioner. I have worked with children, young people and their families, helping them with a wide range of issues.

Due to an increase in children and young people experiencing sensory difficulties and the concerns around how these difficulties impacted upon function and the ability to carry out activities of daily living I set up a sensory clinic. This involved offering workshops for parents. Giving psycho-education and advice in regards to the different sensory difficulties that occur and how they can present. I would work with the child or adolescent and their family, assessing and identifying particular sensory difficulties. I would suggest various strategies to implement as well as loan sensory equipment to help address these difficulties.

Approaches I use

Like many therapists I have added to my original training so that I am able to integrate some aspects of other approaches into my practice where appropriate.

I incorporate some DBT (Dialectical Behaviour Therapy) skills and techniques. DBT uses CBT approaches but prioritises acceptance and emotional regulation. I also use aspects of brief solution focused approaches, which are based on strengths rather than on weakness. As well as using some systemic and attachment methods, which relate to the different ways we act, think and view the world right from our early years. I also use mindfulness techniques in my practice.

How my sessions work

I take an informal approach in my work and aim to create a safe and comfortable relaxed space for the people I work with. What is important to me is to connect and form a therapeutic relationship in order for people to feel able to talk openly and freely with me and therefore be able to move forward in their life. As a CBT therapist, this approach is evidence based for a wide range of difficulties, therefore I will aim to follow this approach in relation to the NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) guidelines. This would tend to be short-term and would be for around 6 to 12 sessions. It is also important to have a goal to focus on within therapy in order to keep on track as if not there can be a tendency to drift and not stick to the main issue identified. I will review with you on a regular basis how you feel sessions are going and if you are satisfied with my approach and the therapy provided. Certain problems and difficulties may not have a clear evidence base like CBT, if this is the case, then we will work collaboratively to gain a good understanding and formulation of what the main issues are that you want to work on. The most important thing is that we discuss the right therapeutic approach for you.

Experience in working with the following issues:

Anxiety – Social anxiety, Generalised anxiety, Panic, OCD

Phobia’s

Depression/low mood

Eating disorders

Post-traumatic stress

Relationship Issues

Parenting Issues

Attachment

Sensory

ASD/ADHD

Bereavement/Loss

Low confidence/self-esteem

Sleep problems

Self-harm

Availability : Thursday afternoon

Fee : £85 per 50 minute session