Compassion Focused Occupational Therapy
My approach integrates Occupational Therapy with Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) to support you in navigating self-criticism, emotional overwhelm, and a sense of disconnection from what truly matters to you.
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Grounded in the neuroscience of emotion, the psychology of compassion, and the wisdom of yoga, we explore how the mind’s threat system, often expressed through harsh inner criticism and unrelenting standards, can take over our inner world and how we move through daily life. ​
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Together, we build compassionate insights into your patterns of thinking, doing, and being. From this understanding, we identify what you need to take steps towards a life that feels more balanced and aligned with your values.
A FREE 20 minute chat to discuss your needs and plan first session
Who:
This approach may be supportive if you're navigating:
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Anxiety or persistent worry
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Risk of burnout or chronic stress
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The challenges of neurodiversity
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Depression or low mood
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Grief, loss, or significant life changes
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Shifts in identity or roles (e.g. work, health)
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A harsh inner critic or difficulty connecting with self-compassion
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A sense of disconnection from what brings meaning or joy
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Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, unmotivated, or simply unsure of your next steps, you're not alone and you don’t have to figure it all out by yourself.
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1 hr
65 British pounds
How:
My approach is collaborative and experiential and draws on a range of therapeutic tools to build insight, develop self-compassion, and support meaningful change. This may include:
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Learning about how our minds work, especially in relation to threat emotions and compassion
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Guided reflection and imagery
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Experiential exercises to change physiology to gain new perspectives - preparing the body to support the mind.
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Compassion-focused chair work to understand the multi-mind.
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Skills training in mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation and interpersonal effectiveness (Dialectical Behavioural Therapy skills).
From an Occupational Therapy perspective, we also focus on the practical and everyday:
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Exploring what truly matters to you - your values, interests, and priorities
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Building routines and rhythms that support your energy, needs and sensory preferences.
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Breaking down your goals into manageable steps
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This may take our work into other environments to do the doing together.
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Where:
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Sessions take place at LEAF Health Hitchin
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Location:
Ground Floor
47 Bancroft
​Hitchin
SG5 1LA
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When:
​My availability:​
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Wednesdays - 1pm - 8pm
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Thursdays - 9am - 5pm
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What is Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT)?
Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), developed by Professor Paul Gilbert, is a psychological approach designed to help people who struggle with shame, self-criticism, and overwhelming emotions. Grounded in evolutionary psychology and neuroscience, CFT recognises that many of our difficulties are not our fault, they are understandable responses shaped by our biology, life experiences, and the way our "tricky brains" have evolved to keep us safe.
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CFT teaches that compassion is not about being passive or indulgent, it is a courageous, wise, and intentional way of engaging with suffering, both our own and others’. It helps us understand why we think, feel, and behave the way we do, especially when we feel stuck or under threat.
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Through practical tools and guided discovery, CFT supports people to develop a more caring and balanced inner world, building the capacity to tolerate distress, understand what’s happening, and take wise, compassionate action.
What is Occupational Therapy?
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Mental health occupational therapy supports you to:
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Identify what matters to you.
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Re:connect with the routines, roles, and activities that give life meaning, especially when mental health challenges get in the way.
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Bring awareness to the practical link between how you feel and what you do.
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Build supportive habits, navigate change, and move toward a life that feels balanced and purposeful.
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HPCP registered: OT5168
Qualifications:
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Sept 2023-June 2024 Diploma in Compassion Focused Therapy, Compassionate Mind Foundation
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2022 - Compassionate Mind Facilitator Training: train the trainer (4 parts)
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2019 100 hour Pranayama & Foundations of Mantra, British Wheel of Yoga accredited course
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2018 3 day introduction to Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) Workshop
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2016-2018 500 hour MindflowYoga Teacher Training, British Wheel of Yoga accredited course
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2013 Radically open Dialectical Behavioural Therapy module 1
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2012 Intensive Training Course in Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)
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2011 5 Day Foundation Course British Isles Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) training
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2005-2007 BSc Accelerated Occupational Therapy, York St John
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2001-2004 BSc Social Psychology, Loughborough University
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