Services

 

Linda Atkinson is an expert Clinical Psychologist offering evidence based psyhological assessment and treatment for a range of emotional difficulties. Linda has particular expertise treating people with Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) when their main problem is an anxiety disorder, especially Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), Panic Disorder, Health Anxiety (HA) and Vomit Phobia. Linda is also very experienced in the treatment of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD), Trichotillomania (compulsive hair pulling) and other psychological difficulties including depresssion, insomnia, bulimia and binge eating.  Linda works with adults, adolescents and children.

 

What Is Cognitive Behaviour Therapy?

 

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) is a scientificially proven short-term talking therapy that usually consists of 6 to 20 treatment sessions.  CBT looks at how we think about a situation and how that affects our feelings and behaviours. In turn, our behaviours can affect how we think and feel. In CBT the psychologist and client work together to change unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviours.  

 

When carrying out CBT with a psychologist it is a good idea to record each session on a mobile phone.  Some expert CBT clinics have noticed that people who listen to their recordings may make more progress than those who don't.  

 

Homework is also an important part of CBT.  This involves the client and psychologist identifing helpful tasks to complete between sessions. It can also be helpful for clients to buy a notebook so that they can have a written record of homework and write down helpful things from each session.