Pain is inevitable, suffering is optional.

Buddha.

Psychological suffering a common part of the human experience, affecting people from all walks of life at some point. Just like physical health challenges, mental health challenges are nothing to be ashamed of and seeking support is a sign of strength.

  • Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is characterized by excessive, uncontrollable worry about various aspects of daily life, such as work, health, or social interactions. Individuals with GAD experience persistent anxiety and tension, often without a specific cause, which can interfere with daily functioning. Physical symptoms frequently associated with GAD include restlessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, muscle tension, and sleep disturbances. Treatment typically involves evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Metacognitive Therapy (MCT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is sometimes referred to as “The doubting disorder”. OCD is characterised by persistent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) performed to reduce the anxiety caused by these obsessions. People with OCD often feel trapped in a cycle of obsessions and compulsions that interfere with daily life. People often think OCD is just about contamination, it can be about anything you don’t want; harm, loss, illness, moral failure, the OCD mind often hooks into whatever it is you fear most.

  • People who suffer from self-esteem problems often have negative self perceptions, often characterized by feelings of unworthiness, self-doubt, and low confidence. Individuals with low self-esteem may struggle with self-criticism, difficulty accepting compliments, and a persistent fear of failure or rejection. These issues can impact mental health, relationships, and overall quality of life.

  • Perfectionism is a problem when the pursuit of flawlessness becomes excessive and unrelenting, leading to significant distress and impairment. It often involves setting unrealistically high standards, being overly critical of oneself, and fearing mistakes or failure. This mindset can cause chronic anxiety, procrastination, and difficulty completing tasks, as well as negatively impact mental health and overall well-being.

  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event especially one that was not expected or prepared for. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and intrusive thoughts about the event. PTSD can significantly impact daily functioning.

  • Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is characterized by an intense preoccupation with perceived defects or flaws in one’s physical appearance, which are often not noticeable to others. Individuals with BDD may engage in repetitive behaviors such as mirror checking, excessive grooming, or seeking reassurance, leading to significant distress and impairment in daily functioning.

CBT is an evidence-based approach that helps you identify patterns between your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. We'll work together to understand what's maintaining your difficulties and develop practical strategies that fit your life. Sessions are available online via secure video, making therapy accessible from wherever you're based.

  • Our first session is a chance to explore what's brought you to therapy and what you're hoping for. I'll be interested in understanding your experience and what matters to you, so we can work together to develop an approach that fits your needs and values.

  • Thought-Changing Power: We will identify and challenge the underlying beliefs and assumptions that maintain anxiety symptoms. By addressing these we can reduce the frequency and intensity of anxious thoughts and urges. This leads to long-lasting changes in thinking patterns, which can help prevent relapse of anxiety symptoms. My aim will be to equip you with skills to manage your thoughts beyond the therapy sessions and long into the future.

  • You'll learn to recognize thoughts, images, and urges as passing mental events rather than facts that demand action. When you can step back and notice "I'm having the thought that..." instead of being hooked by the thought itself, these experiences lose their power to dictate your behavior. This doesn't make unwanted thoughts disappear, but it changes their impact—they become background noise rather than urgent commands you must respond to.

  • Values-focused work helps us identify our core values, such as who we care about and how we want to be. When we identify our values we are able to connect with what truly matters to us.

  • ERP is one of the most evidence-based approaches for anxiety disorders. It involves gradually facing situations, thoughts, or sensations you've been avoiding (exposure) while resisting unhelpful safety behaviors or avoidance strategies (response prevention). This breaks the cycle where avoidance provides short-term relief but strengthens anxiety over time.

    Through ERP, you'll learn to stay present with uncomfortable thoughts and feelings without trying to escape, fix, or neutralize them. The goal isn't to eliminate anxiety, but to build your capacity to experience discomfort while moving toward what matters. Over time, this reduces anxiety's control over your choices and daily life.

  • The approaches we use aren't just about addressing current difficulties—they're skills you can apply across different areas of life. Learning to relate differently to difficult thoughts, tolerate discomfort, and act on your values builds psychological flexibility that serves you well beyond our sessions together. Whether you face future setbacks, life transitions, or new challenges, you'll have practical tools to navigate them.