TESTIMONIALS

Metacognitive therapy (MCT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for Harm OCD and a chronic health condition

When I first saw Sarah, I was feeling really down and was dragging myself through each day not knowing how to cope with the OCD. I was overwhelmed with harm OCD and was hating myself because of the thoughts that were entering my mind. My chronic health condition makes life challenging for me and I felt so hopeless having both to cope with. 

I learnt that I do have agency over my compulsions, for example I used to try to block out the intrusions and would try to avoid anything that might trigger them. Whereas before therapy, they felt like they were out of control. With the help of metacognitive therapy and ACT (both forms of CBT) I have started to turn my life around. Sarah made me feel safe and heard throughout our sessions and her style of therapy really clicked with me. It allowed me to make the changes necessary to move forward with my life and learn to manage my health condition.

(Female, age 25, virtual sessions, April 23)

Testimonial for the treatment of PTSD using EMDR following a traumatic event.

 I was hit by a truck whilst riding my bike. I had been riding on busy roads for over twenty years and regarded myself as a competent and careful cyclist. I found this incident to be particularly traumatic. Along with physical injuries, I also experienced some psychological symptoms which affected my day-to-day life. I have always thought of myself as a headstrong and determined person, so I was taken by complete surprise, and this affected my belief in myself. 

I was a bit sceptical of EMDR at first and thought “is this really going to work?” Having completed the treatment, I think it is amazing and has totally changed my life. Before starting the therapy, I thought my love of riding a bike had passed and I would never get it back. Now, I am as passionate as ever about riding. I found Sarah to be very approachable and trustworthy. Even though EMDR seemed unusual, I felt safe in her hands.

(Female, aged 46, virtual sessions, March 2022)

Testimonial for CBT and EMDR for a re-occurrence of panic attacks

Due to a combination of life events, and restrictive living due to the Pandemic, I unfortunately experienced a relapse in my panic and anxiety disorder.

I did not hesitate to contact Sarah, who once again was able to help me.

We explored what was currently maintaining my panic disorder and heightened anxiety.  We then processed some deep-rooted traumatic memories that were also contributing to the maintenance of my panic and anxiety. With a combination of talking, and lots of engaging exercises in order to not only compliment the fantastic work we had done in the my previous sessions, (when first diagnosed), but we went even further and explored new techniques and tools to help me normalise my feelings and thoughts, train myself to control activating the CAS – if you know, you know! – and turn a corner into believing that I truly do have the ability to control my thinking patterns, beliefs and behaviours which have been fuelling my problems.

(Female age 34, virtual sessions)

Metacognitive therapy (MCT) to help with heightened anxiety and low mood

I found Sarah to be warm and easy to talk to. She has a wealth of knowledge about the subject. She keeps herself very up to date with current techniques and research. 

 The CBT techniques totally made sense to me and encouraged me in new ways of thinking and breaking with old patterns of worry and ruminating. The way I have learned to shift my focus of attention easily and quickly has helped lighten my mood and stopped me from over-analyzing.  This has been noticed by family as well.

 (Virtual sessions, female aged 68, February 2023)

CBT and EMDR for Social Anxiety

I was a nervous person who would avoid social situations and new experiences due to uncontrollable worry and a fear of embarrassment. I wouldn’t do anything that I had not done a multitude of times already, even that was still a struggle at times. I hated anything that was a break from my normal routine. Truth be told I was reluctant at first to see Sarah. However, after lockdown it became apparent that I needed to sort myself out and seek help.

Working with Sarah I learnt various techniques to help me manage my nervousness and social anxiety. I liked the fact that the sessions were structured and there was a plan. When I started, I had a bit of doubt and wondered if anything could help me.

 I have come back today to see Sarah for a final time after a break. I no longer feel excessively nervous in social situations and new experiences. I feel like a new and improved person. I don’t think I would have done half the stuff I’ve done in the last few months If I had not done CBT and EMDR.

( Virtual sessions, male client aged 22, February 2023)

CBT and Flash Technique for OCD

It used to take me half an hour to leave the house because of all my checking. Sometimes I would leave the house only to come back a few minutes later and check everything again. I felt embarrassed and it was such a big hindrance in my life. I believed I would always have to rely on other people - for example, my husband to lock the door or to be there to make sure I had done it. 

Through working with Sarah, I learned what was maintaining my problem. I learned appropriate strategies so that I could make proactive changes. We also used the Flash Technique. This helped to reduce the intensity of some of my intrusive thoughts and helped me to manage my compulsions. It enhanced my belief in myself.

Additionally, I experienced a traumatic event during the time we were working together. Flash Technique helped me to deal with this.

(Female, age 34)

Using CBT and EMDR Following a Relationship Break-Up

I came across Sarah on the counselling directory and chose to contact her because she looked warm and friendly which is exactly what you want when you are feeling a bit low. I had experienced a break up which was unexpected and caused me a lot of hurt and left me feeling confused and wanting to know answers.

Sarah used a combination of CBT and EMDR. After the first session of EMDR I no longer felt the pain and hurt that I was originally feeling and during the following week between our sessions the whole situation no longer felt as bad. I never imagined that I would feel OK again so quickly and I can't thank Sarah enough for this. I now feel that I would be ready to face another relationship without the fear of hurt or rejection. Thank you Sarah!

(Female, age 26)

CBT for Anger and Anxiety

I was looking for some help with anger and anxiety. I was feeling really overwhelmed during lockdown and it was starting to really affect my relationship with my partner. I’ve never seen myself or been seen by others as an angry person and I felt really defeated and scared by these sudden and seemingly uncontrolled outbursts and felt unable to try and control and manage them.

In our first session, Sarah really took the time and patience to understand what my issues were. To my surprise, the anger was rooted in anxiety and some hurt. Sarah carefully explained some of the psychology behind how my moods were affected and so changeable. From there we devised a plan, including a series of weekly exercises that really helped me feel like I could meet the stresses and strains of life again without letting myself or others down.

(Male, aged 32, online sessions)

CBT for depression and stress

I started seeing Sarah when I was at a very low point.  I was suffering from depression, and I was struggling with chronic work stress. It reached a point where it had affected my relationships. I had lost my direction. 

Through CBT and trying a range of tools and techniques, I was able to find some methods that worked for me.  I have been able to build some of these techniques into my daily life, which has helped with the stress, and I no longer have depression. I have also been able to gain a much better perspective of wider issues. 

I felt comfortable with Sarah and was able to relate to the structure of the sessions, where we would have a bit of a catchup, practice techniques in the session which I could use in my life. She built the sessions around what worked for me.  I liked the clear explanations and processes.

(Male, age 49, October 2021)

CBT and EMDR for Health Anxiety

I saw Sarah after a bout of dizziness that brought on an episode of health anxiety that had started to impact my day-to-day life. In fact, the health anxiety was making my physical symptoms worse.

Over my seven sessions, we covered a combination of CBT and EMDR. I learned some very helpful techniques which I could easily practice at home. As a result, I am no longer experiencing health anxiety and I have a plan in place if something like this were to happen again. I am very grateful to Sarah.

(Female, age 39, May 2021)

CBT for OCD during the pandemic

I developed OCD in the middle of my PhD which got worse during the pandemic. I tried to cope by myself but when it got so bad, I didn't eat or work anymore. I decided I should do some therapy. Sarah had been recommended to me and we had a journey together to accept my OCD and work to overcome it and live with it. After 20 sessions I live (nearly) as normal as before, I can work and I feel hopeful about finishing my PhD. I feel I cope really well with the pandemic. My mental health is even better than before my OCD developed. CBT is an amazing tool and is applicable to any situation in life! I definitely recommend working with Sarah using CBT!

(Female, aged 28, virtual sessions, April 2021)

CBT for depression and anxiety

When I contacted Sarah, I felt panicky, down and exhausted. I had started to withdraw from others and felt hopeless. I felt flat although there was a feeling of being constantly wound up in the background. I have always been successful in my life and yet I just did not know how to deal with how I felt at the time, which was incredibly frustrating. 

I had thought that it was my life situation which was largely contributing to how I felt. Working with Sarah I developed insight into how I was approaching my current events and how to make the correct changes for myself. 

I now feel so much more in control of my behaviour and thinking. I feel calmer and more positive. I am writing this during the third lockdown and yet I feel more resilient and better able to cope. 

(Female, aged 45, February 2021, virtual sessions)

CBT for anxiety and worry

When I started my sessions with Sarah I was experiencing severe anxiety. I had been under a lot of pressure at work and in my personal life for months and I had also had a seizure for the first time which was frightening. I found I was having a lot of intrusive thoughts which were disturbing and affecting my relationships with those closest to me. I was worrying about these thoughts and my mental health generally. When I read others' testimonials on Sarah's website it gave me hope that I wasn't alone and that I could, with help, feel better.

I found Sarah very easy to talk to - she is warm, and a great listener- and she was able to adapt the sessions to my needs. Sarah taught me a number of very practical techniques including worry control which really helped almost straight away. We also used other tools to help me become aware of and process my emotions, and to give my brain and body a rest. I can now control my worry, am no longer having the disturbing thoughts and the anxiety is much reduced. I find it amazing that I feel so much better in a relatively short period of time (around 10 sessions) and I also feel I have some great strategies to help me stay healthy for the future.

(Female, age 41, virtual sessions, Dec 2020).

CBT for Health Anxiety

When I first came to see Sarah, I had severe health anxiety. I had that for the best part of 13 years and it ruled my life. Within 7 sessions I noticed a massive change in myself and my mind. I never thought I would have a sound mind and a healthy, controllable level of anxiety. After engaging in 7 sessions of CBT, the therapy has turned all of this on its head. It has helped me manage my health anxiety and given me a far clearer rational mind. I practiced what I learned in the sessions. CBT does require a level of commitment, some weeks it was more than others.  

Working with Sarah was easy and collaborative. All the in-session exercises were well considered and appropriately selected for me. Sarah comprehensively explained the intentions of the tasks. Virtual sessions have been a good point of delivery.

I am looking forward to my future with a far more rational mind.

(Male, age 34, virtual sessions, Dec 2020).

EMDR for fear of flying 

Having enjoyed working successfully with Sarah on my anxiety issues, I decided to work on my fear of flying using EMDR. Before the EMDR, I had vivid memories of being scared on planes and sometimes when I experienced these it felt like I was actually back there on the plane. My fight and flight system had kicked in.  At that time, I could not contemplate flying again even though I knew it was holding me back from doing things, the fear was too strong. 

I have just finished my EMDR sessions this evening. When I think about those memories, I now feel relaxed. When I think about flying, I currently feel calm. At this point I feel I could go and book a short flight and try flying once again. However due to COVID-19 I have decided to wait until next year.

I have written this testimonial because I am impressed with how my attitude to flying has changed even though I am not in a position to actually test it out right now. I am looking forward to giving Sarah an update next year. 

(Female, aged 51, virtual sessions, Nov 2020)

CBT for Depression and Anger

I had let pressures in my life get me into a bad state where I felt I could no longer cope. I had spoken to a doctor. I decided not to take medication but instead to take his advice and get some CBT sessions. I had no idea what this would entail and I had never opened up to a stranger before. So this was quite daunting but necessary. That was when I phoned Sarah.

Sarah immediately put me at ease. We found some common ground which we could talk about, which was a bit of a leveler and I felt I could open up more. Sarah listened to my issues and instantly came up with some techniques, which I could easily apply. I have learned how to change my thinking process and how to allocate time to issues when appropriate. Since doing this I have been able to sleep much better and I am definitely calmer. My family are back to seeing the real me. I can’t thank Sarah enough!

(Male, age 50, virtual sessions, Oct 2020)

CBT for Anxiety and Worry

In the relatively short time I have been having CBT sessions with Sarah my outlook on life has changed hugely. When I first contacted her, I felt in a complete and utter muddle. I could not see the way forward and was unable to make decisions that really needed to be made. 

With Sarah’s help and her suggested techniques, I am feeling vastly better and have been implementing big changes for the next period of my life. 

(Male, aged 61, virtual sessions, October 2020)

CBT for Anger and Stress

I had been working very hard and long hours. My life was go, go, go! Unfortunately, it was very money driven. The more you have, the more you want. It was affecting my relationship with my wife. I needed to put the brakes on in my life. I went from 0 to a 100 in seconds flat and would get really angry. I would judge everybody by my own standards and it used to wind me up if they were not as efficient and as fast. 

We identified the issues which were causing agitation and stress. Sarah drip fed remedies over 5 sessions, which have been applied daily. I completed a brief questionnaire for each session to assess my mood and week by week it was improving. As a very practical person I identified with the very practical adaptations of CBT and to date it has worked. 

I was very skeptical before starting. I thought how can someone from a non-engineering background possibly understand me? Actually, I found Sarah to be very understanding and empathetic. After all the sessions I have found my temperament to be much calmer. 

(Male, aged 60, October 2020, virtual sessions)

CBT for OCD -  Sexual Content and Fear of Contamination

Here are testimonials that clients have agreed that I can share.

After having mild OCD for 6 years, which I thought I was managing properly, it suddenly got a lot worse, when the sexual intrusive thoughts became more frequent and distressing. They were causing me a great deal of anxiety and impacting my life to a great degree. 

I began Metacognitive Therapy (MCT) with Sarah. I noticed a great improvement and reduction in intrusive sexual thoughts after 5 sessions. In my following appointments we worked on contamination OCD, which has hugely improved. I have gained the tools and skills to prevent a relapse. I have also developed greater insight about what maintains OCD. I realised that I had not been managing my intrusions effectively or helpfully over the past 6 years which allowed them to increase.

I was very glad that I didn’t have to go into detail about my intrusive thoughts and I have felt very comfortable throughout my time with Sarah.  I was surprised how quickly I improved because I was initially concerned that it may take many sessions.  All of our sessions have been virtual as I don’t drive and I live some distance away. I have been pleased how accessible and easy it has been working this way. 

(Male, aged 18, September 2020, virtual sessions)

CBT for depression

I have just had my final session of CBT. When I started I felt awful. If I am honest, I did feel a bit suicidal on occasions. I felt hopeless and I just felt I was never, ever going to be right again. I had lost my appetite and had no motivation to do anything.  

I have been committed to therapy from the start and have practiced all the techniques and strategies that we covered in the sessions. Not only have I recovered from my depression, I actually feel like a different person. I have enjoyed the therapy. I have even caught up on modern technology e.g. listening to podcasts and using a smartphone.  My family have seen a big difference in me, which is lovely to hear. Sarah is easy to talk to and I found that whatever issue I came up with, she always had a suggestion for how we could work on this.

I feel so much better. Life seems lighter and easier. I am over the moon and so grateful. I am determined to carry on with all that I have learned in the sessions with Sarah. 

(Female, aged 73, virtual sessions)

CBT for anxiety during the COVID-19 crisis

I came to Sarah with a number of issues with anxiety, particularly centred around news, politics and the fear of world events which could affect myself, my family and friends, and anyone I cared about. At this time - as we all know - my greatest fear was realised when COVID-19 struck.

Through the support of Sarah and therapies including Emotion Efficacy Therapy (EET) and a meditation called RAIN, I have been able to keep myself calm, rational and able to cope with the current situation. But better than that, it has helped me to see the positives in my situation and for me to know that whilst the world will never be the same again neither will my anxiety and that's a good thing!

(Female, age 26, June 2020)

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 OCD

Following medical diagnosis, I decided to opt for private therapy and started to see Sarah for help. With Sarah I was able to understand the patterns of my obsessive thoughts and the resulting rituals. Going through them one by one Sarah introduced a range of techniques which I could apply to different situations depending on the type of ritual or intrusive thought. 

Some of the techniques that I was introduced to seemed too simple to be effective but with perseverance and a lot of encouragement from Sarah I was very surprised at the positive results.

At the end of therapy my life has turned around, I am no longer controlled by intrusive thoughts. I am able to ignore them and carry on with the task at hand wether it's housework, socialising or just relaxing by applying the techniques Sarah taught me. 

(Female, age 26)

The treatment of symptoms following a car accident

I came to see Sarah because I had been involved in a car accident. I was given 12 sessions by my insurance company to treat my symptoms. I had had depression and anxiety for about 3 years before the accident but my symptoms had got worse. I also had problems with reoccurring images of the accident, nightmares, feeling really jumpy, poor concentration and disturbed sleep. I was avoiding driving and in particular down the road where the accident happened.

What I have learned in these 12 sessions has helped me not only to get over the accident but also in other aspects of my life. I am feeling calmer, less wound up and learning that things are rarely as bad as they seem. All the worrying and dwelling on the past has not really got me anywhere. I have learned to look at things differently and to be able to control my worry and rumination. I can now deal with situations in a calm manner. I am regularly driving including driving down the road where the accident happened which makes my life much easier.

Female, aged 34 (September 2019)

CBT for the treatment of panic attacks and long term generalised anxiety

Since my early twenties I had experienced periods of heightened anxiety and panic attacks. The first panic attack was absolutely terrifying. I did the old head in the sand technique. From time to time I would read a self-help book or watch a self-help DVD. I found that it was one thing reading something but it was another thing putting it into practice. 

It came to a head when I was at my lowest ebb recently. I had become really depressed and desperate because of my symptoms. I felt so confused and I didn’t know what was going on.  I decided to seek professional help and guidance. 

I came to see Sarah after reading other testimonials. I am writing this testimonial because it might encourage somebody to seek professional help rather than struggling on their own. From someone who was a doubter I am living proof that CBT can help someone. I no longer have panic attacks and I manage my anxiety very well. I have a different outlook on life, because I no longer worry about when am I going to be anxious again. I no longer fear it.  

As a tradesman I appreciated that we followed a logical and well structured protocol in the therapy. The sessions with Sarah built upon each other and we monitored my progress.  I had been worried that therapy would be “fluffy” and would not suit me. There was nothing “fluffy” about it. Therapy was in a nice easy environment but also very focused. I felt in good hands.

Towards the end of the sessions Sarah presented me with some graphs of my progress and that alone was amazing. This was tangible evidence of the fact things had gone the way I had wanted them. I knew I felt better but it was great to actually see it. Thanks Sarah.

Male, aged 46 (September 2019)

CBT for Depression and Anxiety

I was in a very bad place. I was at an all time low and had reached the point where I felt incapable of doing anything. I was lucky to have support from work who were understanding and recommended Sarah.  When it came to the time for the first appointment I felt anxious about opening up about myself. I work in an industry where people rarely talk about their feelings and concerns.  It was something I never thought I was able to do. I also felt the fear of the unknown and was wondering what I was letting myself in for. Thankfully my family drove me to the appointment and encouraged me to go in. I’ve never looked back. 

Within a couple of weeks of CBT I began to notice a positive change. The first technique Sarah taught me just clicked for me. It felt like a light bulb moment. From then on I felt a positive progression. Along with applying the strategies from the sessions, I have made some healthy life style changes. I am glad I was able to overcome my initial reservations and made the effort to attend the appointments, which have greatly helped me in overcoming my depression and heightened anxiety. It has helped me put aspects of my life into perspective.

Male, aged 51 (September 2019)

CBT and EMDR treatment for panic attacks whilst driving and heightened anxiety

I came to see Sarah following a severe panic attack whilst driving and finding myself in a state of constant anxiety. This heightened anxiety was not typical for me but had quietly built up over a period of approximately a year, without me fully realising. I didn’t know what to expect from CBT but Sarah put me at ease instantly and explained everything very clearly.

Over a course of sessions, we looked at what was maintaining my heightened anxiety level. We successfully reduced this and I now only experience anxiety when appropriate.

I mentioned to Sarah that the memory of the panic attack was still vivid and I could still recall physically how it felt. At this point I was still avoiding driving any significant distance and was sticking to local journey. The mere thought of driving could incite the same symptoms. Using EMDR we were successfully able to neutralise the memory of the panic attack. I am now returned to my status as a confident driver.

Female, aged 45 (September 2019)

Treating trauma using CBT and EMDR re a historical sexual assault

I came to see Sarah because I had had enough of not feeling good. She was recommended to me. As a young teenager I was groomed on line and it escalated to me physically meeting the person. He turned out to be very different from who he said he was including his age. He raped me.

I found the combination of CBT and EMDR to be really useful. The CBT techniques helped to improve my mood and helped me to cope between sessions.

Sarah and I used EMDR to work on the memory and now it is an event I can talk about without it upsetting me at all.

Sarah has been sensitive to my needs. She is very empathic and I have always felt comfortable talking about these issues with her. The therapy room is a nice environment. She always inspired me to move forward and I gradually felt more and more empowered. It is my last session today and I am grateful that I took the step to get help. I have the skills to use for the rest of my life and the past is firmly in the past.

Female, age 25 (March 2019)

CBT for depression and anger

Sarah was recommended to me by a friend, who had seen how low I had got.  I felt very anxious and embarrassed at the thought of seeing a therapist, because of the stigma attached to mental health issues. But I found the courage and made an appointment. 

Sarah made me feel so relaxed and I was able to open up about all of my issues.  I endured an abusive and difficult childhood. Although I touched on this briefly with Sarah, we did not focus our work on this. She taught me very useful skills to manage my anger and to deal with the cause of my depression. These skills are now in full use in my day to day life. I developed a better understanding of myself and my mind. I learnt how to stop fighting life and to stop putting all my effort into trying to be happy.  Funnily enough now I have stopped trying so hard to find happiness and am applying what I have gained from these sessions, I am so much happier. 

Male, aged 49

CBT for depression and anxiety

When I first started my sessions with Sarah I was in a very dark place. With Sarah’s help, guidance and with the tools she gave me, I feel 100% better.  CBT has taught me how to manage my thoughts and emotions, so they don’t impact me like they used to do. I am able to cope with what life brings up and the techniques have been something I have just integrated into my daily life. I don’t have to think any more about using them. I just do.

Although it was not a pleasant experience going through depression, now I am at the other side, I can recognise I have grown so much. The depression prompted me to look after myself and get some help. The therapy with Sarah not only helped me treat my depression, but it has enhanced my life in lots of other ways. I feel I have grown from it. I am glad I put me first!

Female, aged 48

Trauma-focused CBT following a tragic accident

I first came to see Sarah 18 months after being involved in a horrific accident. In this accident, which was not my fault a motorcyclist was killed. I struggled with the trauma of this on my own, not realising how badly affected I had become. I finally sought help and came to see Sarah in 2018. 

When I started therapy I was in a really black hole and I could not see any light at the end of the tunnel. After a few sessions, during which I often thought ‘how is this going to help’, I began to see light at the end of the tunnel. A few sessions further in, we began processing the trauma itself. After only a couple of sessions of this, I felt that a light had actually been switched on. I was out of the dark, dark space. Actually it seemed fairly miraculous. 

So at the conclusion of the treatments, I feel 100% recovered. 

Female, aged 58

CBT to treat health anxiety

I have suffered from health anxiety on and off all my life. During a recent bout of health anxiety, my GP suggested CBT to me and I contacted Sarah. I wanted to solve the problem rather than just ease the symptoms.

Sarah uses a form of CBT called meta-cognitive therapy (MCT), which I think really suits me. I found MCT really easy to incorporate into daily life. After seven hours of therapy, I find I can easily control my health anxiety. I have changed my thinking processes and thereby solved the problem. I believe I can carry this forward for the rest of my life. I would recommend MCT.

Female, aged 47

CBT for the treatment of OCD Obsessions with a sexual content

“I was very distressed by the intrusive thoughts I was getting. I had become highly anxious about abusing a child, even though I knew I would never do this and had no interest in that type of thing. I also had intrusive doubts about my sexuality.  I tried hard to deal with this on my own, but some of the things I was doing were actually making it worse. 

After reading some of her testimonials, I contacted Sarah. I have had 5 sessions of a form of CBT known as Metacognitive Therapy (MCT) and no longer have OCD. I am now in a good relationship with someone and am moving on with my life. I am writing this testimonial to let other people know they are not alone with this type of OCD and to give hope.”

Male, aged 28 (December 2019)

CBT For the treatment of OCD and health anxiety

I contacted Sarah because I had become really distressed by my intrusive thoughts. These ranged from thoughts of hurting someone close to me even though I knew I would never do it, to worrying that I had a severe mental health issue, i was avoiding certain situations because I was scared I might act upon these thoughts, even though deep down I knew I wouldn't. For example, I would purposively not stand or sit on a balcony in case I jumped off.

Sarah used a CBT treatment plan to help me. It has been very useful. Even though I had read a lot about OCD and mental health on the internet, it was different and more beneficial for me to explore this with someone who is a professional in this area and has a good understanding of mental health. I learnt some very useful techniques. I practiced these between sessions and we were able to ensure I used these optimally.

I gained reassurance from knowing that what I was experiencing was more common than I thought it was. This helped put things into perspective.

Male, aged 21

CBT and EMDR for panic attacks

My GP said I was having panic attacks. This was a surprise because I thought there was something wrong with my circulation or I was having mini-strokes. I was experiencing symptoms such as heart palpitations, numbness, tingling, dizziness, feeling short of breath, nausea, wobbly legs and feeling disconnected from my body.

To my surprise and relief, CBT and EMDR have helped with my panic attacks.  They have now disappeared.

The EMDR processed old memories enabling me to let go of a lot of the anger I had from my past, which was impacting onto my daily life. I had not known how to process this anger effectively before without getting overwhelmed by it. Before doing EMDR I used to shut down when I tried to deal with my past issues.  To my amazement and delight, the treatment significantly reduced the number of panic attacks I had and their strength.  However, very occasionally I felt the start of a panic attack building up, the CBT part of the therapy trained me to control my panic.

I now live free of panic attacks.

Female aged 33

CBT for fear of falling

I came to see Sarah, because I was feeling low and  I had become anxious about falling having had 2 bad falls. I had put a lot of effort into trying not to fall, which exacerbated my anxiousness and I had become depressed because of my anxiousness. It was helpful for me to realise it had developed into a phobia of falling. 

We successfully treated my phobia, my anxiousness and my low mood using CBT techniques. Sarah suggested we could try using Trauma-Focussed CBT to process the memories of the bad falls. I found this to be really powerful. After 1 session of working on these memories, they have totally disappeared. I find this amazing. My phobia is extinct and now I can concentrate on my life again. Thank you Sarah.

Female, 60

CBT for the treatment of postnatal depression (PND)

I started to show signs of postnatal depression (PND) when my son was 6 months old. I didn’t admit to myself, or others and just struggled on. A couple of months later, I finally went to see my doctor and discussed my symptoms and as a result she prescribed me anti depressants. I held off taking them and made an appointment with Sarah as soon as I could. After an honest, confidential conversation with Sarah, I decided to have a few sessions of CBT to see if that could improve things. Within 6 sessions, I felt well on my way to feeling myself again! It was honestly that good! 

Before starting CBT, I felt lonely, desperate, confused and embarrassed that I was going through this and didn’t really admit it.  Sarah’s approach left me feeling more in control, calmer and helped me to see things more clearly. I started to enjoy my son, something which I had always thought was the ‘natural’ thing that just happens when you have a baby… In those low, never ending days I honestly didn’t think I could get myself out of the downward spiral. The sessions were so so helpful and each time I stated to feel a little better. Sarah is an absolute professional and so good at what she does. I cannot be more grateful for the help she has given me!

Female, aged 31