Rachael Sidley Psychotherapy Ltd.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
& Eye Movement Desensitisation & Reprocessing (EMDR)
07421350575
About Me
A very personal message .....
Hello and welcome to my page! I fully understand how difficult struggling with mental health can be. I am open and honest in that I have experienced depression and anxiety myself.
I was referred for CBT a number of years ago, following a very difficult period of my life. I felt completely lost and hopeless with no idea how to make changes. CBT helped me to unravel what was going on in my life and make sense of unhelpful thoughts, behaviours and emotions.
It was so life changing for me that I gave up my job for a large corporate company and re-trained as a CBT Therapist. I felt so passionately about helping other people who were struggling also; offering genuine empathy, warmth and knowledge to help them move forward in their lives.
I am a bit different from some other therapists! I think one of my biggest 'skills,' is putting people at ease. I recall once seeing a young lady who was very anxious prior to our session. At the end she laughed and said, ''I was expecting Ms Trunchbull! but you really made me laugh!''
Building a strong connection with my clients is something which I am very proud of. It's at the very heart of my therapy and so important. I will aim to make you feel relaxed and comfortable, as soon as we start working together.
''It's like talking to a friend,'' comes up countless times in my feedback. I feel this allows clients to open up and face their fears with me.
My Professional Background
What Makes Me Stand Out ?
Firstly, please be aware. There are many cognitive behavioural therapists and EMDR practitioners, who use this title from a one day training course through cheap online websites. It's important to research your therapists credentials.
I attained my Post Graduate Diploma in Cognitive and Behavioural Therapy at the University of Manchester. I have been fortunate enough to have attended lectures by the leading experts in mental health such as Professor David M.Clark, C.B.E; Professor Paul Salkovskis; Professor David Veal, Dr. Kevin J.M. Meares and Dr. Deborah Lee.
I also attained my EMDR qualification through accredited EMDR Europe, who only teach qualified mental health professionals. The course was led by Dr. Michael Paterson OBE.
Over the years, I have attended various courses to enhance my clinical practice and I will continue to do so.
I have worked as a therapist for 12 years, mainly at the NHS and with private clients. I am proud to be accredited by the BABCP.
I also work as an affiliate Psychotherapist at The Priory Group.
My supervisor is also BABCP accredited and I am part of a large network of private practice therapists.
''BABCP is the lead organisation for cognitive and behavioural therapies in the UK. We provide practitioner accreditation for CBT therapists living and working in the UK and Ireland. Accreditation means that a CBT therapist has both core professional mental health training or recognised equivalent, as well as specific CBT training.''
