Dr Victoria Bell
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This professional is accepting new clients but may have a waitlist. Please enquire with them directly to discuss availability.
This professional is accepting new clients but may have a waitlist. Please enquire with them directly to discuss availability.
About me
Dr Victoria Bell holds a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the University of Oxford and has over 20 years of experience. She is a London-based HCPC accredited Consultant Clinical Psychologist, BABCP accredited Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist, University Lecturer, and Author. Her extensive knowledge and experience give you the utmost confidence that you are in ethical and competent hands.
Dr Bell is driven by the knowledge and experience that good quality psychological therapy can transform lives. "Therapy can be helpful for everyone, we all take leaps forward and then steps back. One moment we feel like we have it all together, and the next we’re wondering where things went wrong". Therapy provides a non-judgemental and confidential space, where you come as you are - not the perfect, polished version you may feel pressured to be.
What can you expect:
- Dr. Bell brings calmness and a clear focus to sessions. She is passionate about her work and has been recognised for her innovative and collaborative approach, which instantly helps to put people at ease.
- Sessions are highly personalised and based on the latest theories and developments in psychology, drawing from her experience within leading NHS services and her ongoing involvement in research.
- Dr. Bell is compassionate in her approach, and while she may be asking you challenging questions, you will always do it at a pace you set together.
Areas of expertise:
Dr Bell has helped countless clients thrive and grow through a variety of challenges in their busy lives, including:
- Overthinking
- Anxiety
- Low self-confidence
- High standards & expectations
- High functioning depression
- Imposter syndrome
Therapies offered:
Dr. Bell will work with you to understand your goals, then she can discuss and advise the best therapy approach based on psychological theory and the evidence - to help you live a life that is more like the one you picture in your head.
As a Clinical Psychologist, Dr Bell is able to draw upon a range of therapy approaches, and she is committed to providing evidence-based therapies which are proven to work (as recommended by NICE). She has received training and supervision from world-leading experts at Oxford University and is a specialist in:
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Trauma Focused CBT
- Schema Therapy
- Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Compassion based Therapy (CFT)
Book a free introductory call:
For more details, please visit: https://www.drvictoriabell.com
Therapy services can be confusing and if would like to know more, or have any questions, then please feel free to contact Dr. Bell, with no obligation of starting sessions. She offers a free 15 min phone consultation to discuss what you would hope to gain from therapy and to ensure that she is the appropriate psychologist for your circumstances.
Training, qualifications & experience
Qualifications:
- Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (2013), University of Oxford
- PhD Developmental Psychology (2007), Queen’s University Belfast
- BSc Psychology (2003), Queen’s University Belfast
Memberships:
- Practitioner Psychologist with the HCPC*
- Chartered Clinical Psychologist with the BPS
- Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist with the BABCP**
*All qualified Psychologists are registered with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) who ensure rigorous standards of proficiency, education, training and professional behaviour: https://www.hcpc-uk.org/check-the-register/
**The CBT Register is the only recommended means of verifying qualified CBT Practitioner Accreditation: https://www.cbtregisteruk.com
Experience:
Dr. Bell worked in the NHS from 2007 - 2020 and held positions at prestigious London NHS National Specialist services specialising in novel and pioneering interventions for individuals with complex disorders (Psychosis, Bipolar, PTSD). She has extensive experience of working successfully with clients who have had previous ineffective therapy attempts. Dr Bell founded her private practice in 2019.
Dr. Bell is also an Honorary Lecturer at the world-renowned IoPPN, King's College London. She is an Invited Peer Reviewer for the British Journal of Psychiatry Open, and Psychological Medicine - where she provides edits for improving articles that go through review, raising the overall quality of published research.
Publications:
Dr. Bell has a track record of published research in international scientific journals and magazines in the field of adult mental health. Please see https://www.webofscience.com/wos/author/record/821126.
Some recent titles include:
- Could You Be Living with High-Functioning Depression? (https://www.vogue.co.uk/arts-and-lifestyle/article/high-functioning-depression)
- Do loneliness and social exclusion breed paranoia? (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2215001323000057)
Member organisations
Being registered/accredited with a professional body means an individual must have achieved a substantial level of training and experience approved by their member organisation.
The BABCP is the lead organisation for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy in the UK. Membership is open to anyone with an interest in the practice, theory or development of CBT. BABCP also provides accreditation for CBT therapists. BABCP accredited members adhere to the Standards of Conduct, Performance and Ethics in the Practice of Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies, and are willing to be scrutinised in this adherence as required.
The HCPC are an independent, UK-wide health regulator. They set standards of professional training, performance and conduct for 16 professions.
They keep a register of health professionals who meet their standards, and they take action if registered health professionals fall below those standards. They were created by a piece of legislation called the Health Professions Order 2001.
Registration means that a health professional meets national standards for their professional training, performance and conduct.
Accredited register membership
The Accredited Register Scheme was set up in 2013 by the Department of Health (DoH) as a way to recognise organisations that hold voluntary registers which meet certain standards. These standards are set by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA).
This therapist has indicated that they belong to an Accredited Register.
Areas of counselling I deal with
Other areas of counselling I deal with
Limiting mindsets: Mindsets in therapy refer to the beliefs that individuals hold about themselves, others, and the world around them. These mindsets can greatly influence a person's thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. I work with individuals to identify and challenge negative or limiting mindsets, and cognitive distortions that contribute to anxiety disorders, low self-confidence, and low mood.
Imposter syndrome: High achieving individuals may struggle with feelings of inadequacy and fear of being discovered as "imposters" who do not deserve their positions, despite evidence of competence and accomplishments. They may constantly compare themselves to others. Imposter syndrome can lead to feelings of anxiety and a lack of confidence. I work with individuals to understand and manage their experience of imposter syndrome.
Work-life balance: Some jobs require significant dedication and time commitment, which can result in neglecting personal relationships, hobbies, and self-care. I work with individuals to develop a healthier work-life balance, to reduce work-related stress, and enhance overall satisfaction and well-being.
Therapies offered
Fees
Free initial telephone session
Health Insurance/EAP
Additional information
Private health insurance - insurer rates vary and most of the insurers Dr Bell works with will cover full session fees. She works with: Aviva, Cigna, Bupa Global, Healix, WPA.
[Dr Bell does not accept: AXA, Bupa UK, or Vitality referrals]
Dr. Bell predominantly runs a virtual clinic and offers online sessions via Zoom/Teams/Google to clients across the UK and internationally. She has some limited face-to-face sessions available, but these have a waiting list.
When I work
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