Frequently Asked Questions

About CBT

  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a structured, evidence-based form of psychological therapy that focuses on the connection between our thoughts, feelings, and behaviours.

    The idea is that how we think about situations can affect how we feel and what we do, and these patterns can sometimes keep emotional difficulties going. In CBT, we work together to notice and understand these patterns, and to develop more helpful ways of thinking and responding that can improve how you feel and function day to day.

  • CBT can be helpful for a range of emotional and psychological difficulties, including:

    • Depression and low self-esteem

    • Generalised anxiety, panic, and phobias

    • Social and performance anxiety

    • Obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD)

    • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

    • Sleep difficulties

    • Health anxiety and distress related to long-term physical health conditions

    • Anger difficulties and some relationship challenges

    CBT is a flexible approach and can be adapted to suit individual needs and experiences.

  • CBT is an evidence-based therapy, which means it has a strong research base showing it can be effective for a range of difficulties.

    It is typically a structured, time-limited approach (often around 6–24 sessions, depending on your needs) that focuses on practical, long-term skills you can use beyond therapy, such as noticing unhelpful thought patterns, trying behavioural experiments, and gradually facing fears in a manageable way.

    CBT is a collaborative approach, meaning we’ll work together on what you’d like to change and regularly review your progress, so therapy stays focused and meaningful.

    Research has also shown that CBT delivered online via video call can be just as effective as in-person therapy, making it a flexible and accessible option.

  • CBT can be very effective for many people, but whether it’s the right fit for you depends on what you’re struggling with, your preferences, and what you’d like to get from therapy.

    It may be helpful if you’re looking for a structured, time-limited therapy where we work together to understand how your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours are connected, and develop practical strategies to help reduce specific difficulties such as anxiety, low mood, or intrusive thoughts.

    It may also suit you if you’re open to talking about what’s going on for you now, and working collaboratively to make meaningful changes over time.

    CBT may not be the best fit if you’re looking for a very open-ended, exploratory approach focused primarily on past experiences or long-term personality patterns. In that case, other approaches such as counselling, psychodynamic therapy, or schema therapy may be more suitable.

  • Yes. Research shows that CBT delivered online via video call can be just as effective as in-person therapy for many difficulties. It also allows you to access therapy from a comfortable and familiar environment.

  • Sessions last 50 minutes and follow a structured but flexible and collaborative format.

    We usually start with a brief check-in to see how you’ve been since the last session, including any changes in mood, challenges, or progress. If anything urgent has come up, we’ll focus on that first.

    CBT often includes tasks to try between sessions, such as noticing thoughts or experimenting with new behaviours. We’ll review these together, exploring what was helpful, what wasn’t, and what this might tell us. There’s no pass or fail—this is simply part of understanding patterns and learning what works for you.

    The main part of the session varies, but may include exploring your thoughts and how they influence your feelings and behaviours, considering alternative perspectives, and looking at patterns such as avoidance, perfectionism, or procrastination. We may also try out practical strategies such as behavioural experiments, coping skills, problem-solving, relaxation techniques, or gradual exposure work, depending on your goals.

    We work together throughout treatment —you’re not just talking, but actively working through things. We end by summarising the session and agreeing on something to focus on or try before the next session.

    All techniques are tailored to your individual needs and the difficulties you’re experiencing, whether that’s anxiety, low mood, OCD, trauma-related difficulties, or something else.

  • Being open and honest about your goals and what feels helpful (or not) can make a real difference to your progress.

    It’s also important to engage with between-session tasks, as this is often where change begins to happen in everyday life.

    We’ll approach therapy as a collaborative process and a kind of experiment, where you’re encouraged to try out new ways of thinking or behaving, even if they feel uncomfortable at first.

Your sessions with me

  • It helps if you can join sessions on time and from a private, confidential space where you won’t be disturbed.

    Where possible, it can also be useful to allow yourself around 10 minutes before and after each session to prepare and then decompress. Therapy can bring up a lot, so giving yourself a little space afterwards can be really valuable.

    If you’re able to, joining from a larger device such as a laptop or iPad can make it easier to view any shared materials, although this isn’t essential.

    If we have agreed any between-session tasks, it’s helpful to have these ready so we can review them together. Some people also find it useful to keep a therapy notebook for reflections between sessions.

  • That’s completely okay. The initial phone call is simply a chance for us to talk, ask questions, and see whether CBT feels like the right fit for you. There’s no obligation to continue.

  • The number of sessions varies from person to person, depending on your goals, the difficulties you're experiencing, and how things progress over time.

    CBT is often a time-limited therapy, and many people find it helpful within a set number of sessions, although there is no fixed amount. We’ll regularly review progress together so you have a clear sense of how things are going and what feels most helpful.

    The focus is always on working at a pace that feels right for you.

  • I try to offer flexible appointments to suit your schedule. Appointments are mainly offered outside of typical working hours but vary each day. For example, I offer early morning and evening appointments to accommodate different schedules. Whether you're an early riser or prefer evenings, I'll do my best to find a time that works for you so please do contact me to discuss availability.

    I do not currently offer regular weekend appointments, although occasional Saturday morning slots (09:00–11:00) may be available for review calls.

    If your preferred time is currently unavailable, I keep a waiting list and will contact you if a suitable slot becomes available. I will also aim to give an estimated waiting time where possible, though this can vary. If you have a preferred time, do let me know and I’ll do my best to take this into account.

  • Sessions are held at the same day and time each week. For example, if you book a Monday at 09:30, this will be your regular session time, and this slot is reserved for you unless cancelled in advance.

    Weekly sessions are generally recommended, and are supported by evidence and NICE guidelines, as they help maintain consistency and momentum in therapy.

    That said, some people prefer to meet fortnightly for reasons such as cost or flexibility. We can discuss what feels most suitable for you, and in some cases it may be helpful to begin weekly and then move to fortnightly once therapy is more established and stable.

  • All sessions are delivered online via Google Meet.

    Therapy sessions take place via video call, as this supports the most effective way of working together. Initial consultations and review calls are usually by phone, although video is also available if you’d prefer.

  • I do not offer in-person sessions. All therapy is delivered online via video call.

    Research shows that CBT delivered online can be just as effective as in-person therapy for many difficulties. It also allows you to access therapy from a familiar and comfortable environment.

  • Sessions are paid via bank transfer.
    Full payment details will be provided when you book.

  • Sessions are paid for in advance.

    Your assessment is paid for at the time of booking. After this, CBT sessions are usually paid for the week before each appointment.

    Sessions are only confirmed once payment has been received.

    What if I need to cancel a session? Full details can be found in the attendance policy below.

  • At present, I do not offer payment plans. However, payment can be made via credit card or bank transfer for convenience.

  • The attendance policy is in place to help sessions run smoothly and to minimise disruption to your therapy. It is designed to be fair and supportive.

    If you cancel with more than 48 hours’ notice, your payment will be carried over to your next session.

    If you cancel with less than 48 hours’ notice, the full session fee will usually be charged, unless there are exceptional circumstances (for example, a medical emergency).

    If you do not attend a session without notice, the full fee will be charged.

    If you arrive late, the session will still end at the scheduled time and the full fee will apply.

    If technical issues occur on my side, the session will be rescheduled at no extra cost. If issues occur on your side and the session cannot proceed, the usual fee may still apply.

    If you have any questions or exceptional circumstances, you are welcome to discuss them with me. I aim to be fair and supportive while maintaining a consistent and reliable service.

  • Everything you share in therapy is treated as confidential and is kept private in line with professional and legal requirements.

    There are a few important exceptions to confidentiality. These include situations where there is a serious risk of harm to you or someone else, safeguarding concerns involving a child or vulnerable adult, or where disclosure is required by law (for example, a court order).

    In some cases, I may also discuss aspects of our work in clinical supervision, but no identifying information is shared wherever possible.

    If you ever have questions about confidentiality, you are welcome to ask at any time during therapy.

  • Getting started is simple. You can reach out using the contact form, and I’ll arrange a brief initial call with you. Please include your preferred days and times so I can check availability. During the call, I’ll explain the next steps and answer any questions you may have, so you feel clear about what to expect.

  • You can send an enquiry via the contact page, or email me directly at: leah.psychotherapy@gmail.com

    I aim to respond as quickly as possible, but please allow up to three working days for a reply. I appreciate your patience.

More about the service

  • We’ll begin with a brief phone call to introduce ourselves and explore whether this feels like the right approach for you.

    From there, we’ll move on to a full assessment, where we’ll look at your main concerns, how they affect your daily life, and what you’d like to achieve through therapy. I will then use this to develop a tailored treatment plan.

    If we both feel that CBT is the right fit, we’ll begin therapy together. CBT is typically a structured, time-limited approach, often lasting around 12 sessions, though this can vary depending on your needs (usually between 6 and 24 sessions). We’ll agree this together and regularly review progress so that therapy remains helpful and focused.

    As we move through the work, sessions will build on one another, helping you develop practical strategies and make meaningful changes over time.

    When we come to the end of therapy, you’ll be discharged back to the care of your GP. You’re also welcome to book a review session in the future if you feel it would be helpful.

  • Getting started is simple. You can reach out using the contact form, and I’ll arrange a brief initial call with you. Please include your preferred days and times so I can check availability. During the call, I’ll explain the next steps and answer any questions you may have, so you feel clear about what to expect.

  • The initial consultation is free. An assessment is £75, individual CBT sessions are £70, and an optional review call is £40.

    More detail can be found here.

  • You can send an enquiry via the contact page, or email me directly at: leah.psychotherapy@gmail.com

    I aim to respond as quickly as possible, but please allow up to three working days for a reply. I appreciate your patience.

About me

  • I have worked within NHS Talking Therapies services since 2020. I began as a Clinical Support Worker before completing my Postgraduate Certificate in Low Intensity Cognitive Behavioural Interventions, which led to my role as a Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner and later Senior Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner, a position I held for two years.

    In 2024, I completed my Postgraduate Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapies at King’s College London and now work as a qualified CBT therapist.

    Prior to joining the NHS, I worked for one year as an Assistant Psychologist with older adults living with dementia. I also worked for a year as a Support Worker supporting children and young people with epilepsy and associated neurological conditions, including learning disabilities and learning difficulties.

    • Postgraduate diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapies (Adult IAPT), Kings College London.

    • Postgraduate certificate in Low Intensity Cognitive Behavioural Interventions for Common Mental Health Problems, University College London.

    • Bachelor of Science with Honours in Psychology with a professional placement year, Sussex University.

    All qualifications are accredited by the British Psychological Society.

  • Yes. I receive regular clinical supervision from an experienced, HCPC-registered supervisor.

    Supervision is a normal and important part of my clinical practice. It provides space to reflect on clinical work, ensure safe and ethical practice, and continue developing professionally.

    It is confidential and focused on client wellbeing, and any safeguarding concerns would be managed in line with legal and ethical requirements.

    If you would like, I’m happy to share further details about my supervisor.

  • I currently hold provisional accreditation with the British Psychological Society (BPS), with full accreditation awarded following completion of the required audit process.

    I also hold the relevant qualifications, professional insurance, and training required to practise as a CBT therapist.

    You can find my professional registration details on the BABCP CBT Register . If you would like further information about my qualifications, training, or insurance, I am happy to provide this.

  • Inclusivity is an important part of how I work. I do not take a one-size-fits-all approach to CBT, and I aim to adapt therapy to each person’s identity, values, and lived experience.

    This may involve adapting the language I use, how we make sense of difficulties together, and the strategies we explore in therapy. We work collaboratively to ensure that the goals we focus on feel meaningful and relevant to you.

    I also aim to use inclusive language and remain mindful of how my own perspective may shape the therapeutic process. Therapy is a collaborative space, and I place importance on understanding each person within their wider context.

  • I have a particular interest in women’s mental health, especially the emotional and psychological experiences that can arise during pregnancy and the perinatal and postnatal period. This can include adjustment to pregnancy, anxiety, mood changes, and the identity shifts that often come with becoming a parent.

    I also have an interest in the psychological impact of hormonal and long-term health conditions, such as PCOS and endometriosis. These conditions can affect mood, self-esteem, and daily functioning, and I am interested in how therapy can support people in managing the emotional impact of living with ongoing or fluctuating physical health conditions.

    In addition, I have an interest in menopause and perimenopause, and the emotional, cognitive, and physical changes that can occur during this stage of life, including mood changes, anxiety, and shifts in identity and wellbeing.

    While I have not undertaken additional specialist training in these areas, they are areas I am particularly interested in and continue to develop my understanding of through clinical experience and ongoing professional development.

Other

  • If you are feeling suicidal, you are not alone and help is available.

    If you are in immediate danger or have injured yourself, please call 999 or go to your nearest A&E. You can also ask to see the mental health team there.

    If you are in crisis and need someone to talk to, you can contact Samaritans on 116 123 at any time — they are available 24/7. You can also contact NHS 111 and select option 2 for urgent mental health support.

    If possible, let someone you trust know how you are feeling. This could be a friend, family member, colleague, or neighbour. You might ask them to stay with you or help you access support.

    If you are able to keep yourself safe, you can also contact your GP as soon as possible to arrange an urgent appointment.

    If you are a current or prospective client, please be aware that I am not a crisis service. If you are at immediate risk, these emergency services are the most appropriate source of support. If risk arises during an assessment or therapy, I will support you in accessing the appropriate crisis or specialist services, as CBT sessions may not be able to continue in these circumstances.

  • No, I do not prescribe medication. I can support you in thinking about your symptoms and how medication and therapy may work together, but medication would always be prescribed by your GP.