Collette Sharbel-Merven – Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist

Making the decision to attend therapy can often feel overwhelming. However, for most people, this can be an extremely positive and empowering experience that engenders greater self-awareness and understanding.

I am a fully accredited and qualified Cognitive (CBT) Psychotherapist with over 10 years of experience and specialise in working with adults. Being fully accredited implies that I have achieved the highest standard in the practice of CBT and thus adhere to stringent codes of professional practice and ethical standards. CBT is an evidenced-based therapy, recommended by NICE, that has proven to be extremely effective in the treatment of most problems we encounter. This means that I am able to incorporate a wide range and variety of established, researched and evidence-based psychological techniques in my practise and therapy with you. Not only has its effectiveness been evidenced by extensive research but also by my own clinical experience of seeing what really helps people.

I place a great emphasis on the quality of the therapeutic relationship with clients and firmly believe this to be a key contributor to the overall success of therapy and to the development of a positive therapeutic experience. This open, collaborative and honest alliance based on good rapport and trust is an approach that has contributed to my clients’ on going motivation to attend their therapy sessions and to improve the overall quality of their lives.

You, as the client, are considered the expert who knows your own problems better than anyone. Only you can give me insight to help me to understand the painful issues and difficulties you are experiencing. In your therapy and through increased self-awareness, you will learn to take responsibility for improving the quality of your life: by changing unhelpful patterns of behaviours and negative thoughts. My role is to guide, assist and support you through this challenging process. I am committed to working with you to find realistic and long-term solutions and to develop and apply new skills and techniques to change unhelpful patterns of thinking and behaviour.

My approach is collaborative, empathic, warm, informal and relaxed, which allows for a safe and comfortable space to allow you to explore your thoughts, feelings and unhelpful behaviours without judgement.

Through the use of numerous specialist and transferable skills and knowledge, I am committed to providing an individualised, high quality therapeutic experience based on best practice and prioritisation of you and your needs.

I have a passionate interest in treating OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder), anxiety, stress, habit disorders, eating disorders, body dysmorphia, depression, PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), low self esteem issues (lack of confidence and self-worth), social anxiety (formerly known as social phobia), specific phobias (including blood phobia), panic (panic attacks and panic disorder), GAD (Generalised Anxiety Disorder), anger, health anxiety and sleep difficulties. I also work with couples and treat relationship and sexual problems.

My aim is to provide a quality of therapy that I would be comfortable for my loved ones to attend. I value having open, informal, relaxed, empathic, warm, collaborative and honest relationships with my clients whilst always maintaining good rapport and trust, respect, integrity, and dignity.

MY EXPERIENCE

My extensive experience of working in Clinical Social Work for over 20 years, in various community and hospital settings and with various mental health presentations, has contributed to a holistic assessment and approach when working with individuals rather then focusing on the medical nature of the individual’s symptoms and problems. Prior to this, I practised as a Social Worker/Counsellor in South Africa, Berlin and London.

Following my professional training, I worked within a large NHS Staff Counselling Service where my role comprised of assessing and providing therapy to various NHS staff members exhibiting a variety of mental presentations and difficulties.

Thereafter, I worked within a large, national and independent Cognitive Behavioural Therapy practice. I have since been working in my own private practice for the past two years which has contributed greatly to my own professional development and has further increased my experience in treating a wider range of psychological, emotional and behavioural problems.

Training and qualifications

MSc in Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy (Distinction)

PGDip in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (Adults)

Post Qualifying Award in Social Work

BA (Hons) Clinical Psychology

BSocSC (Hons) Clinical Social Work

I have undertaken advanced training in a number of different Cognitive Behavioural Therapy approaches including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT); Compassion-Focussed Therapy (CFT), Couples Behavioural Therapy and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) and Schema Focused Therapy.

Fees

Face-to-face/online/Skype/telephone therapy sessions (From 9am to 4:30pm): £99

Face-to-face/online/Skype/telephone therapy sessions (8am and after 4:30pm): £109

Couple therapy sessions (From 9am to 4:30pm): £119

Couple therapy sessions (8am and after 4:30pm): £129

I operate a sliding scale of reduced fees dependent on individual financial circumstances. Please do contact me to discuss this further.

If you have private Medical Insurance please contact me to discuss fees, as the rate paid for therapy differs. I am currently registered with the following major Medical Insurance providers: AXA PPP, AVIVA, CIGNA, PRU HEALTH, HEALIX, WPA, ALLIANZ, VITALITY HEALTH, VALIDIUM, BUPA

The number of therapy sessions required will be determined by the multitude and severity of your problems and will be reviewed collaboratively every few sessions. Please note that I do not have facilities to accept credit or debit cards.

Please do e-mail or call me to have a brief confidential chat about your problem or to discuss therapy options and preferred appointment times. I am more than happy to answer any questions you may have and to explain how CBT might assist in the resolution of your problem.