Starting therapy can feel like a big step, especially if you’re not sure what to expect. Every therapist works a little differently, and it’s important to find someone whose approach feels right for you. This page explains what it’s like to work with me – how I approach therapy, what our sessions might look like, and the values that guide my work.
​If what you read here feels like a good fit, you’re welcome to get in touch to arrange an initial chat.
What it's like to work with me
1
An initial assessment: taking the time to understand you properly
If we decide to go ahead, we start with an initial assessment. This isn't rushed. ​​
We'll explore:
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What's brought you to therapy.
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What feels stuck or difficult.
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​Why now feels like the right time.
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What you're hoping for from me. ​
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Your goals and aspirations
This stage is about building a shared understanding and laying solid groundwork. Therapy works best when we both have clarity about what we're working towards.
3
Working practically with CBT
As a CBT therapist, my work is structured and evidence-based. CBT focuses on the interaction between:​​​
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Thoughts
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Feelings
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Behaviours
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Physical Sensations
​We identify unhelpful cycles and build practical skills to interrupt them. Therapy isn't just talking - it's active. Between sessions, you'll experiment with new approaches, strategies, or reflections that help you move towards your goals. ​
​​The aim is for you to leave therapy not just feeling better, but knowing how to support yourself going forward.
2
Making sense of things together (formulation)
In therapy, we often create what's called a "formulation" - a collaborative summary of what might be keeping a problem going. We map out patterns between thoughts, emotions, behaviours, physical responses, and past experiences.
​​You bring expertise in your own life - how this problem shows up for you, what it feels like, what you've tried.
I bring clinical training, psychological theory, and research evidence.
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​​Together, we build a clear, shared understanding. For many people, this alone can feel relieving - things begin to make sense.
4
Trauma work with EMDR
If trauma is part of your story, we may use EMDR.
EMDR involves engaging with distressing memories in a safe, structured, and gradual way while using "bilateral stimulation" (such as guided eye movements or hand tapping). It can sound unusual at first, but it helps the brain to process experiences that feel "stuck", allowing them to be integrated and resolved. ​
​EMDR is a highly effective, research-supported therapy for trauma and can lead to deep, lasting change without needing to repeatedly relive experiences in detail.
5
On-going collaboration and review
Whatever we're working on - CBT, EMDR, or a blend - the process is collaborative. We regularly review:
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Is this helping?
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Does this feel manageable?
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Are we focusing on what matters most to you?
Therapy shouldn't feel like something being "done to" you. It should feel thoughtful, purposeful, and responsive.
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​My aim is that you feel involved, informed, and steady moving forwards. We will take things at your pace to help you make the changes you're looking for and to feel better equipped to move forward in your life, with the option to bring the work to a close when the time feels right.