CBT
What is CBT (Cognitive Behaviour Therapy)
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a fantastic evidence based talking therapy that can transform your life and help you to achieve the goals you want. It’s based on the idea that what we do (our behaviour) and think (our cognitions, thoughts, beliefs) affects how we feel (emotions). It looks at how we get caught in vicious cycles of unhelpful thinking traps and maladaptive behaviour patterns. CBT helps break these cycles, to feel better in our mood and overcome anxieties.
There is substantial evidence proving the effectiveness of CBT.
The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) recommends CBT as the gold standard for treating various mental health issues, including trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, phobias, and OCD, to name a few.
The BABCP is the accrediting body for CBT therapists.
I have full DBS clearance and professional indemnity insurance.
Melissa Gooding is, without question, one of the best therapists I have ever worked with. I genuinely looked forward to every weekly session, knowing it would bring clarity, grounding, and fresh perspective to my often overwhelmed mind.
From the very beginning, Melissa was extraordinarily empathetic, flexible, and supportive. What truly set her apart, however, was the depth of her knowledge and insight, which clearly went far beyond standard training. She had an incredible ability to understand my personality on a deep level and gently amplify my strengths with curiosity, warmth, and kindness. Because of this, I felt completely safe opening up about my private life and deepest thoughts, always without fear of judgment.
Each session was rich with practical tools and meaningful insights that I could immediately apply to my daily life. Melissa had a gift for making even complex ideas feel accessible, engaging, and easy to follow. Our sessions were never heavy or repetitive — instead, they were dynamic, thoughtful, and genuinely enjoyable.
Melissa truly believed in me and in my potential, often more than I believed in myself. Her confidence and encouragement gave me the strength to take important steps forward. She also brought joy and humour into our work together, which made a huge difference for me as someone with ADHD — helping me stay present, engaged, and fully absorb what we worked on.
I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to have been supported by Melissa. I will truly miss her professionalism, wisdom, and bubbly personality, all of which profoundly shaped my journey and gave it a new, positive direction. I cannot recommend her highly enough. (Feb 2026 - client accessing adapted CBT)
Extraordinarily empathetic,
flexible and
supportive
Melissa Gooding is, without question, one of the best therapists I have ever worked with. I genuinely looked forward to every weekly session, knowing it would bring clarity, grounding, and fresh perspective to my often overwhelmed mind.
From the very beginning, Melissa was extraordinarily empathetic, flexible, and supportive. What truly set her apart, however, was the depth of her knowledge and insight, which clearly went far beyond standard training. She had an incredible ability to understand my personality on a deep level and gently amplify my strengths with curiosity, warmth, and kindness. Because of this, I felt completely safe opening up about my private life and deepest thoughts, always without fear of judgment.
Each session was rich with practical tools and meaningful insights that I could immediately apply to my daily life. Melissa had a gift for making even complex ideas feel accessible, engaging, and easy to follow. Our sessions were never heavy or repetitive — instead, they were dynamic, thoughtful, and genuinely enjoyable.
Melissa truly believed in me and in my potential, often more than I believed in myself. Her confidence and encouragement gave me the strength to take important steps forward. She also brought joy and humour into our work together, which made a huge difference for me as someone with ADHD — helping me stay present, engaged, and fully absorb what we worked on.
I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to have been supported by Melissa. I will truly miss her professionalism, wisdom, and bubbly personality, all of which profoundly shaped my journey and gave it a new, positive direction. I cannot recommend her highly enough.
(Feb 2026 - client accessing adapted CBT)
art as self expression
Art is an excellent therapy for reducing stress and anxiety and improving mood.
• Through art we can express universal themes such as love, loss, joy and sorrow,
connecting with others on a fundamental human level.
• Artworks can spark conversations, foster empathy, and inspire action. It can be
used to challenge existing power structures, raise awareness about social
injustices and advocate for positive change.
• Art provides a platform for individuals to explore their creativity, express their
emotions and connect with their inner selves.
• Engaging with art can be a therapeutic and transformative experience, helping
people cope with difficult emotions and find meaning in their lives.
• Art can help us understand our place in the world, contemplate our values and
make sense of our experiences.
• It can evoke empathy, promote understanding, and facilitate dialogue on
important social and cultural issues. Art can also provide a space for self-
expression, creativity and reflection, contributing to individual and collective
wellbeing.
Group Sessions
Group art and wellbeing sessions are fun, light, and accessible to all.
Available for
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community groups,
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charities,
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faith groups,
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women only,
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disability groups
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mental health daycare
Please contact me with an introduction to your group, expected numbers and your contact details for a no obligation, friendly chat to see how we can work together.