ABOUT ME.

My name is Smita, and I have been supporting people with psychological, emotional, and mental health difficulties for over 25 years. For more than 15 of those years, I have worked specifically with children and young people, both as a Mental Health Nurse and a Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist.

My experience spans across secondary care NHS services and private practice. In my private practice today, I work with both adults and young people, providing a compassionate, evidence-based approach to treatment.

I have a special interest and extensive experience in treating Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), a condition I am deeply passionate about helping people manage and overcome.

Whatever challenges you or your child may be facing, I offer a safe, supportive space to explore difficulties and work towards meaningful change.

Qualifications.

MSc – 2012-2015

Masters of Science with merit in Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy (adult and children & young people).

Post Graduate Certificate- 2009-2010

Child and Adolescent Mental Health

BSc-2000- 2001

Diploma in Higher Education: 1998-2000

Bachelor of Science Degree in Mental Health Nursing

Diploma in Higher Education in Nursing

As well as the above formal qualifications, I have recently completed my EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing) training with adults and with children and young people (level 2). Please see services provided for information on what this therapy entails.

Accreditation.

I am a fully accredited Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist with the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP) and a registered Mental Health Nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).

WHY DOES A CBT THERAPIST NEED TO BE ACCREDITED?

BABCP (British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies)

The BABCP is the leading organisation for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) in the UK. It is a multidisciplinary interest group for individuals involved in the theory and practice of behavioural and cognitive psychotherapy.

To achieve accreditation with the BABCP, a therapist must demonstrate that they meet stringent criteria regarding education, qualifications, and clinical experience. Once accredited, therapists are required to show ongoing commitment to the practice of CBT. This includes:

Receiving a minimum number of hours of supervision,
Engaging in ongoing professional development,
Maintaining regular delivery of CBT in clinical practice.

All BABCP members, whether accredited or not, agree to adhere to the organisation's standards of conduct, performance, and ethics.

NMC (Nursing and Midwifery Council)

The NMC is the professional regulator for nurses and midwives in the UK, and nursing associates in England. Registration with the NMC requires individuals to meet specific educational and clinical standards set for practice in the UK.

Registered professionals must:

Maintain up-to-date knowledge, skills, and behaviours,
Follow the NMC's Code of Conduct,
Commit to lifelong learning and undertake regular revalidation processes to ensure continued fitness to practise.