Trainee CBT Therapist

I’m Sandra, a qualified Modern Foreign Languages teacher. I studied Cultural Psychology as part of my degree and am now a member of the BABCP as a trainee CBT therapist. After working as an interpreter for ethnopsychiatrists, I began supporting young people in schools, including those with ADHD, autism, and other forms of neurodiversity, as well as adults in the charity sector. Many of the people I work with feel lonely, as if they don't quite fit in or truly belong. I apply Cognitive Behavioural Therapy techniques throughout my work to help clients understand their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours and to break unhelpful patterns. As a storyteller, I also guide clients using visual imagery to move from places where they feel stuck, such as a hole, toward a positive destination. Along the way, I help them discover tools, including support and coping strategies, to move forward with confidence.

My approach is warm, gentle, and non-judgmental. I tailor CBT to each person’s life and values, and clients often say they feel relaxed, that I’ve genuinely got their back, that they learnt tools to move forward towards their goals and that they enjoy sharing a laugh along the way.

I work with adults and young people experiencing:

• Challenges linked to ADHD, autism and other forms of neurodiversity
• Feeling of not fitting in, not belonging
• Low self esteem
• Self criticism and high levels of shame
• Worry and anxiety
• Low mood and depression

‘Clouds do not always mean rain’ (Nigerian proverb).

TESTIMONIALS

I had 12 online sessions of CBT with Sandra, at the end of which I was able to put into practice many of the strategies she taught me in order to help me to overcome the anxiety which I have lived with for many years. I am able now to enjoy social occasions and outings more, and have learnt a lot about myself in the process. Sandra was friendly and warm, and was also able to give me a gentle push when I needed it. I was glad to be able to talk about my Christian faith with her, and the homework we agreed on really got me over an obstacle. I found some of the sessions difficult, but Sandra guided me through with perceptive questions. I am very grateful for the time I spent with Sandra, which really has helped me to move forward. SMcK