How I treat
Treatments I use
I use three treatments, each with trial evidence for the problems I treat. Which one you are offered depends on the problem, your age and, for children, whether they are willing to attend.
The three approaches
Each is structured and time-limited and involves practice between sessions. We work out in the first session which one fits.
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
CBT starts from an agreed account of what is keeping the problem going, then changes what you do in the situations you avoid, and tests the beliefs involved where they can be tested. I use it for generalised anxiety, social anxiety, panic and health anxiety, in adults and young people.
How CBT worksExposure and response prevention (ERP)
ERP is the form of CBT that NICE recommends for OCD and body dysmorphic disorder. You approach what sets the anxiety off, in steps agreed in advance, without carrying out the compulsion (something done to make anxiety or doubt go away), and learn that you can handle the anxiety and the uncertainty. I use a similar form of exposure therapy for phobias.
How ERP worksSPACE, a parent-based treatment
SPACE is delivered entirely to parents, and the child does not attend. You change, one step at a time, the things the family does to protect your child from anxiety. It is for families where a child or teenager will not attend, or is too young for direct work to go well.
How SPACE worksWhich problems they are used for
The treatment follows from the problem. The conditions page lists everything I treat, and each condition page says which approach it uses and how long a course usually takes.
What I do not offer
I do not prescribe, and I do not take on depression or behaviour problems as the main difficulty. If you need something else, I will say so on the free call and try to suggest someone suitable.
Free 20-minute call
Not sure whether this is the right fit?
Start with a free 20-minute call. We talk through what is going on, I answer any questions you have, and I tell you whether I think I can help. If I cannot, I will try to point you to someone who can. The call is free and there is no obligation to book.
Weekdays, 9am to 5pm. No GP referral needed.