Frequently Asked Questions

What is CBT?

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a form of psychotherapy that can help with a variety of problems including negative thoughts, anxiety, self esteem, trauma memories, low mood and motivation.

Why choose a CBT therapist over a sports psychologist?

CBT is one of the main forms of therapy that sports psychologists use, I have over 21 years experience of working with people to help them overcome negative thoughts, anxiety, low motivation, low self esteem and trauma. I am a highly skilled practitioner that can help you with issues with your performance but I can also treat underlying deeper problems if this is needed. I understand people and the way that they think and how this impacts on your performance. My own experience of training and performing helps me have a higher understanding of all athletes needs.

Who is this service for?

This is a service for anyone who needs help with psychological problems related to sport and exercise. You might be a professional sportsperson, an amateur sportsperson or someone who is inactive. We can look at increasing performance, increasing motivation or deal with difficult thoughts, feelings or memories

What sports do you work with?

You can be a sportsperson from any discipline as CBT works with thoughts, feelings and behaviours therefore it can be applied to any sport or with individuals who are inactive and want to get active.

How long are sessions?

Sessions are generally 50-60minutes. On a rare occasion a 90minute session may be necessary but this will be negotiated with you

How much are sessions?

A 15 minute FREE consultation is offered for us to decide if this is the right service for you. Subsequence sessions are £100 for up to 60minutes

How many sessions will I need to attend?

That depends on what you want help with, you could have a one off appointment for help with managing race day nerves, or a course of 4-6 sessions on motivation or managing negative thoughts. Generally a maximum of 12 sessions should be enough but together we would agree what would help and how many sessions this would take.

Where are sessions?

Sessions can be online or face to face. You do not need to be based in Sheffield to be seen, this service is open to anyone across the UK. If your preference is for face to face sessions, these are held in the Broomhill area of the city (S10)

What will happen once I contact you?

Once you contact me via the contact form, I will call or email you to arrange the initial 15min consultation. From there we will agree a suitable time for the sessions to be. Generally sessions are weekly or fortnightly.

What is EMDR?

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a form of therapy that can help with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), phobias, performance anxiety, anxiety and depression. We use bilateral stimulation to process troubling memories or anxieties about future performance. It is an ideal way to process past events that keep playing over in your mind and effecting your performance or preventing you from getting back to your sport.

What are your qualifications and experience?

I am a BABPC accredited cognitive behavioural therapist and EMDR therapist, which means I have full competency in all techniques and I attend monthly supervision to ensure that I am adhering to the BABPC code of conduct. I have worked at the University of Sheffield for nearly 10 years lecturing in CBT and providing supervision. I have completed modules in MSc Sport and Exercise Psychology and also taught on this course at Sheffield Hallam University. I have worked successfully with amateur and professional athletes to increase motivation and performance in their sport.

I am a 7 times Ironman Triathlete and have participated in numerous sports over many years. I have represented Great Britain at Age Group Triathlon.