CBT

My approach to therapy is informed by my training at the University of Oxford, where I was taught to combine my knowledge of CBT with the expertise the client has about their own presenting problems. From this point, we work together to gain an understanding of and solutions to those problems. It is evident that human beings have remarkable resources, enabling them to confront and overcome adversity. Often, these resources become invisible or underused when mental ill-health occurs all. By appreciating our resources and perhaps acknowledging that they have become stuck, life can move on again.

CBT focuses on the conscious mind, the here and now, and the current problems and issues the client is facing. A client’s history will play a part in the therapy; this will be recognised but will not be the focal point of our work. Clients are encouraged to attempt to improve well-being during the therapy and to develop a collaborative therapeutic relationship that can facilitate the development of healthy coping mechanisms.

At the end of each session, to promote and extend that work we have done together in session, some home practice will be agreed upon. This practice is to develop the work we have done together. It is well established that work done in the therapy room forms ideas; practice done outside of the therapy room firmly embeds principles, enabling them to become integrated into how people live.

Individual therapy interventions can range from working with mild issues which are causing unnecessary disturbance and may be sorted out quite quickly, through to lifelong problems, which may need a different perspective, to make them more manageable.

I can provide short-term or medium-term therapy for individuals. I have a particular interest in areas such as Compassion Focused Therapy and in looking at causes of distress that may be underlying mental disturbance, such as low self-esteem, the need to reduce uncertainty in life, and perfectionism. I am also trained as an integrative counsellor.

Issues I work with:

• anger
• assertiveness & confidence
• anxiety
• bereavement & loss
• body image (BDD)
• bullying
• depression & low mood
• disassociation
• health anxiety
• low self-esteem
• menopause & PMS -psychological impact of symptoms
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• panic disorder
• phobias e.g. spiders; fear of flying
• trauma - PTSD
• perfectionism
• relationship problems
• sleep disorders
• social anxiety
• stress
• worry
• ADHD

Shirley has been so understanding and has made me feel listened to. She has helped me see and deal with the difficult issues I was trying to keep hidden and for this I am eternally grateful. I now feel so empowered to move forward and although I know that I will be presented with difficulties at times I feel that with the skills I have now practised I can cope with things and I believe I will know when to ask for help now. Shirley has been truly amazing and I could not have done this without her. GB - Oxford