Vinisha Umarania
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This professional is available for new clients.
This professional is available for new clients.
About me
I’m a fully accredited therapist with the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP), specialising in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). With over 5 years of experience working in the NHS, I offer therapy services in North West London, focusing on helping people navigate challenges like anxiety, depression, and more.
CBT is recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) as a first-line treatment for mental health concerns like depression and anxiety, and my goal is to make these evidence-based techniques accessible to everyone.
Training, qualifications & experience
- BABCP Accredited Cognitive Behavioural Therapist
- Postgraduate Diploma in CBT
- Postgraduate Certificate in Low-Intensity Therapy
- Supervision Training
- BSc (Hons) Psychology
My Background
My fascination with the mind started back in high school when I studied psychology at GCSE level. The way people think and behave has always intrigued me, and this interest eventually led me into the field of mental health. Since 2018, I’ve been helping people from diverse backgrounds, both young adults and older individuals, work through short- and long-term challenges.
In 2018, I started my career as a mental health practitioner in supported housing, where I worked with young people and adults dealing with complex conditions like personality disorders, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. The hands-on experience I gained there helped shape my empathetic and tailored approach to therapy.
By 2019, I had joined a community mental health team, where I supported individuals experiencing psychosis. These roles gave me a deep understanding of how varied mental health challenges can be, and how crucial individualised care is for long-term recovery.
Since 2021, I’ve been actively working within the Gujarati community, delivering mental health workshops and creating bespoke well-being programs in Gujarati. This work has allowed me to bring awareness and tools for mental health to people who might not have had easy access before.
Today, I specialise in treating a range of anxiety and depression-related disorders, from OCD, social anxiety, PTSD, and panic disorder, to stress, health anxiety, phobias, and body dysmorphia. I work with individuals facing both mild and severe presentations, tailoring each session to their unique needs and personal goals.
I also supervise trainee therapists, ensuring they practice ethically and follow NICE guidelines, helping to shape the next generation of mental health professionals.
Member organisations
school Registered / Accredited
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.
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
Therapies offered
Fees
£80.00 per session
Health Insurance/EAP
Additional information
Therapy sessions via Microsoft Teams video or over the phone.
Initial Assessment - £60, lasting 45 minutes
Therapy Session - £80, lasting 50 minutes
(Priced per session)
Flexible Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) sessions via Microsoft Teams video or over the phone, making mental health support accessible to everyone.
The remote sessions are ideal for clients who may find it difficult to attend in-person appointments, such as those with young children or long-term physical conditions. Extensive research has shown that therapy conducted online or over the phone is just as effective as face-to-face sessions.
When I work
Full booking availability provided upon request.
Further information
Initial Assessment
The initial meeting between the therapist and client typically lasts 45 minutes. During this session, you will get a feel for our therapy approach and share your goals. This is a crucial step in beginning your journey towards growth and healing.
Following the assessment, we will determine whether CBT is a suitable approach for your needs. If it is, we will agree on a treatment plan, including the recommended number of sessions.
If CBT is not the right fit, I will guide you toward a more appropriate service or support option. Our therapist-client relationship is built on trust and confidentiality, providing you a safe space to explore your thoughts and feelings.
Therapy Session
Our therapy sessions typically last 50 minutes and are scheduled for the same day and time each week for consistency. Our focus is on providing a professional and supportive environment for our clients to navigate their mental health journey. With a commitment to regular sessions, we aim to help individuals achieve sustainable growth and healing.
What is CBT?
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a practical, evidence-based form of psychotherapy that focuses on the present while acknowledging how past experiences may shape your current thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. At its core, CBT emphasises the connection between your thoughts, feelings, and actions, helping you understand how your mindset influences your emotional well-being and daily experiences.
CBT operates on the idea that many of our challenges stem from negative or unhelpful thought patterns. These patterns can affect how we perceive situations, leading to emotional distress and unhealthy behaviours. Through CBT, you’ll work to identify and reframe these negative thoughts, creating a ripple effect that improves how you feel and act in everyday life.
One of the defining features of CBT is its goal-oriented, collaborative approach. You play an active role in your therapy journey, with sessions designed to be hands-on and interactive. Between sessions, you may be given practical exercises or “homework” to apply what you’ve learned, helping you build new habits and reinforce positive changes. These tasks are reviewed in subsequent sessions, ensuring you’re continually progressing toward your goals.
CBT is typically a short-term therapy, with weekly 50-minute sessions. The number of sessions you’ll need varies depending on your individual goals and progress, which you and your therapist will regularly evaluate together.
Beyond addressing immediate concerns, CBT equips you with a versatile toolkit of strategies that you can use long after therapy concludes. These skills empower you to manage future challenges more effectively, fostering resilience and enhancing your overall well-being.
