Providing flexible therapy
Every person is unique, and what brings them to therapy is different. Vicky can tailor her approach by blending together elements of different therapies, depending on what you need. This allows her to be flexible and sensitive, making the therapy fit you, rather than making you fit the therapy.
Therapy
If you decide to meet for therapy, we would meet weekly or fortnightly for a 55 minute session. The number of sessions you might want depends on the nature of what is bringing you to therapy, and your situation. Some people want short-term focussed therapy (8+ sessions), while others want a longer-term more explorative space (20+ sessions). Depending on your preferences, Vicky would tailor her approach.
Types of Therapy
The type of therapy Vicky would draw on would depend on your unique needs. Usually, Vicky will select elements of different therapies depending on what would help you most. You can read more about the different types of therapy on offer below.
01
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
You might be feeling anxious, depressed, or coping with trauma.
Using CBT, Vicky would work with you to help you understand how your thoughts, emotions and behaviours link. CBT then focuses on creating more helpful thinking patterns and behaviours, and it has a good evidence base in bringing relief from anxiety, depression, or PTSD.
Vicky usually blends CBT with other approaches in a flexible way. Find out more about CBT here.
02
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
You might be going through a difficult life transition, or feel trapped in painful emotions.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a mindfulness-based therapy that helps you handle difficult thoughts and emotions. Instead of trying to fight or control them, ACT teaches you to accept what’s out of your control while focusing on actions that align with your values.
For more information about ACT, click here.
03
Compassion Focussed Therapy (CFT)
You might struggle with low self-esteem and confidence, or have been told that you’re very hard on yourself.
Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) is designed to help people develop self-compassion and emotional resilience, and reduce self-criticism.
Using CFT, Vicky combines mindfulness, psychology, and neuroscience to help individuals build a better relationship with themselves. Find out more here.
04
Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)
You might be experiencing intense emotions, and feel like your emotions control you.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a skills-based therapy that helps people manage intense emotions, improve relationships, and cope with stress in a healthy way.
DBT was originally developed for those struggling with emotion regulation, but is now applied to lots of situations. Find out more here.
05
Cognitive Analytical Therapy (CAT)
We are all impacted by the ways in which we were parented, or the relationships that we’ve had.
Vicky helps people understand patterns in their emotions and relationships. She would explore how your past experiences have shaped your current relationship patterns. This provides a clear roadmap for change, empowering you to break unhelpful relationship patterns and build more fulfilling relationships. Find out more about CAT here.
06
Trauma Informed Therapy
You may be coming to therapy because you have experienced trauma in your life.
Vicky recognises the impact of past trauma on your thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. She focuses on creating a safe and supportive environment where you feel heard and respected.
Vicky would work with you to help you understand your responses to trauma, build resilience, and develop healthy coping strategies. Vicky emphasises healing, self-compassion, and regaining control over your life.
Clinical Issues
Vicky works with a wide range of issues in both her NHS and private practice. Some people want to work on a specific problem. You might be struggling with one of the following:
- Emotion regulation difficulties
- Relationship challenges
- Loss and bereavement
- Loss of identity
- Low self esteem
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)
- Panic attacks
- Phobias
- Significant life transitions
- Social anxiety
- Stress
- Trauma
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Depression
- Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
- Emetaphobia
- Insomnia
Alternatively, you might not be struggling with a specific issue, but maybe you aren’t feeling like the best version of yourself, you’ve lost your spark, or are facing life transitions and want a space to explore this. Psychologists are experts in formulation, the process in which you create a psychological “map” that helps both you and your psychologist make sense of your challenges and identify patterns. Formulation is essential to gaining a better understanding yourself.
Areas of Specialist Interest
Perinatal Mental Health
Vicky currently holds a clinical post in a specialist NHS Perinatal Team. She has lots of experience working with people during the transition to parenthood. For more information about perinatal approaches, click here
OCD and Anxiety
Vicky has previously worked in NHS national specialist services for OCD and BDD, and at a private specialist service. She has several publications and follows the latest research and evidence-base on OCD and BDD. For more information, click here
Relationships and Attachment
Vicky has interest in attachment styles and how these impact relationships. She completed her Doctoral Thesis exploring how attachment styles in relationships impact loneliness, and uses an attachment framework. For more information, find out here
Explorative Therapy and Formulation
Psychologists are experts in ‘formulation’, which is essentially the process of building up a map of your emotions, behaviours, thinking and relationship patterns. This is essential to building a better understanding of yourself. Vicky can offer an explorative space to help you better understand yourself and move forwards
Frequently Asked Questions
What is psychological therapy?
Psychological therapy is a collaborative process between a psychologist and a client. It aims to help you work towards specific goals, and feel better.
How long does a session last?
Typically, a session lasts around 50 minutes to one hour.
How often should I attend?
The frequency of sessions depends on various factors. Usually, weekly is suggested, as this is the most effective in research studies.
How many sessions do I need?
The duration varies for each individual and depends on the complexity of the issues being addressed. Some people may only need 6-8 sessions of a focussed piece of work (e.g. addressing insomnia, or a phobia). Others may want longer-term explorative therapy.
What is the difference between a Psychologist, a CBT therapist, and a counsellor? Why do fees vary?
A psychologist has done a Doctorate training in Clinical Psychology (3 years post grad), worked across multiple NHS services, trained in multiple types of therapy, and completed doctoral research in a new research area. This allows them to blend therapies and be more tailored in their approach.
CBT therapists, counsellors and psychotherapists are all qualified professionals, but they are usually trained in one type of therapy. CBT therapists will usually provide Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, although some may do further qualifications to train in more than one type of therapy.