EMDR for emetophobia

I have had emetophobia ever since I was a child. It completely hindered my life and I missed out on so many experiences, because of my fears of feeling nauseous and also being violently sick.  I felt very ashamed about my emetophobia and had put off getting help. I decided to try some EMDR, because it felt appropriate to me as it can help treat phobias. 

I was amazed with the difference after just 9 hours of EMDR. Early memories which underpinned my phobia have now become more manageable and I am now living my life without the fear of being sick and feeling nauseous. I have recently eaten food which I have always avoided. 

(Female, aged 56).

CBT for Postnatal OCD

Throughout my life I have had periods of OCD which had a theme of responsibility for other people. After the birth of my second child, I had a sudden onset of OCD. I felt like I was losing my mind and this felt extremely frightening. I got in touch with Sarah who let me know she had experience of working with postpartum OCD and I felt reassured.

After 5 hours of CBT, I  no longer have symptoms of OCD. Plus I feel I have gained insight into myself and feel a better person for it. Initially I had felt nervous about sharing with Sarah what was going through my mind, but knowing that she had treated a lot of other people with OCD put my mind at ease. 

(Female, aged 30, February 2020)

CBT for the treatment of OCD in overcoming obsessions with a sexual content

I was feeling generally down and then it suddenly felt as if I spiralled out of control, having obsessive unwanted intrusions of a sexual nature. This caused me severe distress and sent me into a highly anxious and depressed state. I genuinely thought things would never get better and was contemplating taking my life.

I came to see Sarah for 9 sessions of CBT earlier this year. With her help, I was able to gain a greater understanding of myself. She taught how to control my thought processes and helped me make some lifestyle changes, which have contributed hugely to the improvement of my mental well-being. 

I have since had a follow up session 5 months after I finished the CBT treatment and have grown in leaps and bounds. If you are reading this and are suffering with similar mental health challenges, I would like you to know that CBT really did help me. 

(Male, aged 21, December 2019)

CBT for anxiety driving a car after an accident

I am currently preparing a relapse prevention plan with Sarah and I cannot believe I have come so far in such a short time. Before starting this, I was 100% cynical about CBT and doubted it would work for me personally. I had heard from some people I know that CBT hadn’t worked for them. 

I am amazed at the mental and physical changes in me. It has improved my relationship with my husband, especially in the car! My issues because of the accident had been causing a huge strain in our relationship. I am now able to drive in and around the area of the crash and I have no ill feelings about it. 

Before the first meeting I was really nervous. I didn’t know if it was going to be like a classroom. I even imagined it might be like an interrogation environment, all compact and dark with a spotlight looking at me. Within seconds of being there, Sarah put me at ease. I felt like I could say anything and it felt a safe environment. 

(Female, aged 30)

CBT and EMDR for severe depression and anxiety

I learned very quickly that I could trust Sarah. She listened to what I said, processed it and then came up with relevant strategies to help me. She never judged what I said. Her focus was on using that information to help me move forward. After the first session I walked out of the door thinking “I feel safe. I’ve got someone to help me”.

Within 8 sessions of CBT, I no longer had depression and heightened anxiety. I decided to have some EMDR sessions to process some upsetting memories. Now I just feel completely different, which is wonderful. I feel more self-confident, calmer, resilient and I can speak up for myself. 

(Female aged 48, November 2019)

CBT for Social Phobia - Testimonial

Due to a long term illness I got stuck in a rut. I stopped seeing friends, going out and I withdrew. I had previously been a very active person. When I recovered from my illness, to my surprise I felt anxious about going out. I had never, ever had this before.  Basically my home became my safety net and unfortunately also a prison. Whenever I went out, I just wanted to go home. But being alone at home it felt worse and I got really down. 

Work provided me with 12 sessions of CBT with Sarah. I have really enjoyed the sessions with her.  Each week I have learnt something new. I have put all of this learning into practice. I have been able to challenge myself and successfully  go out socially again and meet new people. I have joined some groups which I am really enjoying. It is making my life better both socially and at work.  

If it wasn’t for the CBT techniques and Sarah encouraging me in the right way, I wouldn’t be having the fun I am having now. 100% thank you Sarah. I am grateful for everything. I feel I had a good connection with her and felt comfortable  from the get go.  

(Male aged 43, January 2020)