About me

I completed my clinical training on the Oxford doctoral course of clinical psychology, which is closely affiliated with the Oxford cognitive therapy centre, a centre of excellence for cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). My final year of this programme was based at The Tavistock clinic, which specialises in psychodynamic work. My post-doctoral training in cognitive analytical therapy (CAT) provides a framework which combines the best of these models. I have a wealth of experience spanning over 20 years and draw flexibly on these models to meet a wide range of presenting problems.

I’m committed to ongoing professional development and I’m registered with the British psychological Society (BPS), The Association of Cognitive Analytical Therapy (ACAT) and The Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and I adhere to the code of ethics set for these governing bodies.

The Therapy

What is cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)?

CBT aims to build functional coping skills which it does by increasing our awareness of destructive thought patterns and recognising how these get acted out self-sabotaging ways. This insight enables us to gain a healthier perspective and ultimately take control of our lives. The ultimate goal is to change behaviour and in effect there is a feedback loop: in the same way and constructive thinking is manifested in constructive behaviour, constructive behaviour leads to increased self-confidence so we weave positive cycles into our everyday lives.

What is dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT)?

Dialectical behavioural therapy DBT is based on cognitive behavioural therapy that specifically adapted for people who feel emotions very intensely. The aim of DBT is to help you to understand, and it’s such a difficult feelings and equip you with the skills to manage them effectively.

What is cognitive analytical therapy (CAT)?

CAT is similar to the above models in that it is time-limited, active and focused. The key difference is that CAT is predominantly concerned with patterns of behaviour and ways of being that originate from childhood you get repeated throughout our lives as though they are the only options available to us. These patterns are usually acted out unconsciously but nonetheless have a powerful and often destructive impact on our lives. The emphasis in CAT is therefore on understanding ourselves and why we are the way we are. It translates many psychoanalytical ideas into a far more accessible language and combines this with the active and focused approach of cognitive therapy.

Problems Treated

You may be experiencing particular symptoms, such as the ones listed below, or it could be vaguer and you are unable to understand why you feel this way.

• Anxiety, panic attacks and phobias
• Depression
• Stress management
• Relationship difficulties and family problems
• Bereavement
• Long-term effects of child abuse
• Trauma
• Addictions/substance abuse
• Low self-esteem/low confidence

 To book an appointment

To book an appointment please contact my secretary: meldsimons@gmail.com

My Fees

All sessions last 50 minutes and are charged at £135 a session.