Vicky Paterson

Hello, I'm Vicky, a certified cognitive behavioural therapist. I also have training in mindfulness and meditation, and I incorporate these approaches into every session, to ensure they are tailored to the unique needs of each individual client.
 
My own life experiences have shaped me into the warm and empathetic therapist I am today. I provide a confidential and non-judgmental environment where I assist you in addressing and overcoming any challenges, fears, or difficulties that may be causing distress and negatively impacting your overall wellbeing. I'm here to offer support and guide you on your therapy journey, leading you toward positive personal growth. I've been amazed by the effectiveness of therapy and its ability to help a wide range of clients with various issues.

Why Seek Help?
At various points in our lives, we all encounter moments of feeling stuck, overwhelmed, directionless, or adrift. When life becomes too much to handle, finding a way forward can seem daunting. You might have resigned yourself to thinking, "This is just how things are now," but the good news is that it doesn't have to be that way and I'm here to assist you. Maintaining emotional and mental wellbeing is vital for a fulfilling daily life, but I understand that life presents its challenges. It's essential to remember that you don't have to wait until things reach a crisis point to seek help, and regardless of how minor your concerns may seem, they hold significance for me. Taking those initial steps and reaching out is the first step in prioritising your mental wellbeing.
 
Choosing to seek therapy can be a challenging decision, especially when confronting personal issues. If you're facing difficulties and need a confidential and safe space to take that important step toward self-empowerment, please don't hesitate to contact me. Together, we can embark on this journey.
 
What are the benefits of CBT?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a well-recognised and evidence-based approach that offers numerous advantages for individuals struggling with a vast array of mental health issues and life difficulties. These advantages include:
·      Focused on the present: 
Helping individuals to comprehend and modify their current thought processes and behaviours. It equips them with pragmatic skills for managing their symptoms in the here and now.
·      Structured Method: 
Therapy sessions typically follow a clear agenda, with therapists collaborating with clients to establish specific and attainable goals.
·      Recognition of Negative Thought Patterns: 
CBT facilitates individuals in recognising their negative thought patterns and cognitive distortions, such as all-or-nothing thinking or catastrophic thinking, which can contribute to emotional distress.
·      Instruction in Coping Skills: 
CBT equips individuals with practical coping techniques and strategies to contend with stress, anxiety, and depression in everyday life. 
·      Tailored to the Individual: 
CBT is adaptable and personalised to suit each client's unique requirements and circumstances. Therapists collaborate with clients to formulate individualised treatment plans.
·      Short-Term and Time-Conscious: 
CBT typically represents a shorter-term therapeutic approach compared to some other modalities. Many clients observe improvements within a relatively limited number of sessions, rendering it a cost-effective choice.
·      Empowerment for Self-Help: 
CBT empowers individuals to take greater initiative in managing their mental wellbeing. Clients learn to identify and challenge their own negative thought patterns and develop skills to avert relapses.
·      Versatile and Comprehensive: 
It is versatile and capable of addressing a wide spectrum of psychological issues.
·      Enduring Benefits: 
Clients report lasting advantages and continue to apply the skills acquired in therapy to manage stress and sustain enhanced mental health.
·      Symptom Reduction: 
CBT effectively diminishes the symptoms associated with various mental health conditions, resulting in an elevated quality of life and heightened overall functioning.
·      Enhanced Problem-Solving: 
CBT helps individuals cultivate improved problem-solving skills, which can be implemented to tackle various life challenges extending beyond the realm of managing mental health symptoms.
 
What to expect in your first session?
In our first session, we will get to know each other, and I will outline what is going to happen throughout the therapy process. This includes explaining the significance of confidentiality and the establishment of the therapeutic connection. Building trust is of utmost importance, and the initial session provides a platform for you to become acquainted with me and assess whether you will be comfortable working with me. At the core of CBT lies its collaborative essence, offering you the opportunity to actively participate in the process. You are encouraged to ask questions, voice your thoughts and concerns, and contribute to shaping your treatment plan.
 
I will ask you about your current concerns, symptoms, and the specific issues you aim to tackle in therapy. This assessment will include questionnaires to gain a more solid understanding of your problems and how they are affecting you. Once I understand what you have going on, we will then shift our focus to goal setting. Collaboratively, you and I will develop specific goals for what you want to get out of therapy, which will guide your sessions. I will educate you on cognitive behavioural therapy, clarifying how this therapeutic approach works. The session will include a conversation about the expected duration and frequency of our sessions, which can vary based on your individual needs and goals.
 
Ultimately, the aim of our first session is to help you feel encouraged to explore your thoughts, emotions, and initial insights into your concerns. It's crucial to remember that this first session represents a mutual opportunity for both you and me to get to know each other and assess whether CBT aligns with your needs. To get the maximum benefit from CBT, creating a space where you feel comfortable being open and honest in your interactions with me is of paramount importance.

What do I offer?
I am available for face-to-face sessions in Irvine and offer remote sessions too.

Whatever suits you best, we can make it work and it doesn’t matter where you are in the country, as remote sessions can be done from the comfort of your own home.

I offer a free initial consultation, allowing you to get a better understanding of what I do as a CBT therapist and what Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is all about, or you can also head to my website where there is lots more information on the services I provide.

Please contact me if you would like more information.

One-to-one sessions: £45

Groupwork sessions: Available on request