Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of psychological treatment that has been demonstrated to be effective for a range of problems including depression, anxiety disorders, alcohol and drug use problems, marital problems, eating disorders, and severe mental illness. Numerous research studies suggest that CBT leads to significant improvement in functioning and quality of life. In many studies, CBT has been demonstrated to be as effective as, or more effective than, other forms of psychological therapy or psychiatric medications.

CBT places an emphasis on helping you learn to be your own therapist. Through treatment as well as “homework” outside of sessions, you are helped to develop coping skills, you can learn to change your thought patterns and maladaptive behaviours.

CBT therapists emphasize what is going on in your life, rather than what has led up to their difficulties. A certain amount of information about one’s history is needed, but the focus is primarily on moving forward in time to develop more effective ways of coping.

CBT is a short-term treatment, the course of treatment typically lasts between 6-20 sessions. With each session lasting 50 - 90 minutes. The severity and complexity can determine the length of treatment. Client preference and pace is also considered, and will be discussed during the assessment and throughout treatment.

The Assessment is a 60 minute session, where the therapist will go through a range of questions to learn more about you as a person and about your current difficulties.

The questions are specific to the problems you present with, and may include standardised clinical measures.

The aim of the assessment is to identify the current problem and work together to establish goals for treatment.

During the assessment we will collaboratively explore strengths, difficulties and goals for treatment. Psychometric and standardised measures will be used to explore symptoms of depression and anxiety, alongside other clinical screening.

If you report a specific type of challenge such as a phobia, we will explore the severity and degree in which the phobia impacts your functioning.

If there are no indications of anxiety, depression or other disorder specific symptoms. We can onwards refer you for assessments such as ADHD, ASD, Cognitive assessments etc. This would require a referral letter to a general psychiatrist or signposting to your GP.

You wouldn't continue to go to the same hairdresser if you didn't like the hair cut? The same applies to your therapist.

The therapeutic relationship is crucial to your progress, and fundamentally underpins how successful treatment may be.

If you do not feel your therapist is a good fit they can recommend an alternative if you feel comfortable exploring, or you can terminate your sessions without giving a reason.

Assessment Session - £100 (60 minutes with a follow up recommendations and resources)

Follow up appointments - £100 (60 minutes)

Please note - you cannot book a treatment session without an assessment session.

You can access treatment via approved private medical insurance providers: AXA, VITALITY, AVIVA, WPA and HEALIX, with a pre authorisation code.

Book a free 15 minute telephone screening appointment to discuss if I am the right therapist to meet your unique needs, contact amber@therapywithamber.co.uk