Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) at Verulam Health and Wellbeing

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a collaborative, problem solving, short term therapeutic intervention. It has gained significant momentum in recent times as the therapy of choice, according to NICE guidelines, for the treatment of anxiety and depression. This approach reflects on the relationship between people’s thoughts, feelings (physical and emotional) and behaviours, the impact they may have and how they may be changed to positive effect. CBT can help with a number of emotional problems including depression, OCD, panic, phobias, social anxiety, health anxiety, PTSD, and generalised anxiety disorder, anger, stress and low self esteem. In CBT both the therapist and client work together to understand problems. It is very much a 'here and now' therapy where recent situations are reflected upon and themes are uncovered. During the sessions clients learn skills and tools and will be asked to practise them outside of the sessions. This is to enable to people to help themselves to manage their problems and to continue to practise the skills after therapy has come to an end.

For more detailed information please refer to the National Institute for Clinical Excellence for an overview of the evidence supporting the effectiveness of CBT.

Julie works from the Verulam Clinic in St Albans. Each session costs £80 per hour for individuals. For corporate rates please write to us at info@m-rd.co.uk. I always require a minimum of 24 hours notice if you are planning to cancel an appointment. If you do not provide this you will be liable for the full cost of the missed session. In the event that I give you less than 24 hours notice to cancel your session, your next session will be free. Payment by cash or cheque is made at the end of each session. Fees are subject to annual review.

Therapy sessions are always one hour long. If you arrive late for your appointment we will still finish at the same time as arranged. It is important during our first session to determine whether or not we are able to work together. It is important that we both feel comfortable working together. If we decide not to proceed with therapy after this session, you will be under no obligation to continue. If we do decide to continue, we will agree a number of sessions to meet in the first instance. We will review after this number to determine progress and how many additional, if any, sessions we may need. It is important that you know that you are able to terminate therapy at any time and you are under no obligation to attend all of the original agreed sessions. I only provide therapy on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings and Tuesday evenings.