Recent Testimonials

CBT Counselling For Adults

“I just wanted to write a quick note and say thank you again for the counselling sessions we did this time last year. I have to say that whilst I was very positive about the result we achieved last year I was nervous about getting to the Autumn time in 2020. I did wonder if I would dip back into the well worn cycle of pain and negative thought patterns. HOWEVER I am pleased to report I have not and this autumn has been one of the most positive I can remember. It seems almost miraculously in some ways, and an incredible testament to the power of CBT as a method of treatment. Thanks again”

– Sue (Fulham)

“I am a British expat living abroad and I decided I wanted some counselling sessions in English. I decided to see whether such sessions would be available remotely from UK. Specifically I wanted to explore the psychological aspects of chronic pain that I had been experiencing over a long period of time. The dedicated counsellor who was assigned to me was great. They provided me with a structure with which to help analyse my situation, some valuable insights into my issues and some techniques to help me cope with them.”

– Abigail (Online/Skype)

“My husband and I have recently started couples therapy. It’s a terrifying move to start with but talking to a third party really helps see things more clearly and break down some of the issues more methodically.”

– Amanda and David (Clapham)

“My therapist has helped me immensely with the issues I came to her with and not just superficially; I really feel that we are getting to the root of my problems and slowly, gently and safely we are working though them together. As a result I honestly feel the best I’ve felt for years. I have had counselling in the past and finding my current psychologist through the British CBT and Counselling Service is the best thing I could have done for myself. My therapist is experienced, knowledgeable,  relatable and kind. I am so glad I took that brave leap into the unknown with a willingness to feel vulnerable and have an open mind.”

– Melanie (East Dulwich)

“The first step is admitting that things are not right. The next step is matching with a therapist whose style works for you. I cannot comment positively enough on my experience at BCBT. During weekly sessions, my therapist created a safe space where I felt listened to, challenged and supported. I learned to question a lot of negative assumptions about myself and my experiences and to view them more realistically, which in turn enables me to live a more fulfilling life. I am grateful for the dynamic and sincere approach my therapist employed – I can honestly say that the learning has been invaluable.”

– Alan (Marylebone)

“I cannot comment positively enough on the psychologist that I saw at The Harley Psychology & Therapy Group. She provided a structured yet flexible framework for discussing my issues. She was insightful and at times necessarily firm and challenging which was exactly the sort of counsellor I had hoped to be paired with. I do not know if this is her natural style or she was perceptive enough to realise that such an approach would suit my personality. But either way, I was delighted to discover she wasn’t just full platitudes. I found her to be helpful, a great listener, perceptive and broad minded. She was able to draw accurate insights into my troubles and pinpoint key issues which were manifesting themselves in a number of ways in many areas of my life. She was able to direct me to helpful books and teach me key skills for overcoming problems. I would very highly recommend The Harley Psychology & Therapy Group to anyone seeking help.”

– Sophie (Richmond)

“I have struggled with anxiety for years and tried many different things. I had CBT Counselling sessions in Fulham over the course of about a year and I now feel much, much better. I would definitely recommend them to anyone with a problem”.

– Katie (Fulham)

“I first came to see Venetia after the death of my father and increasing levels of anxiety had led me to become very depressed. At that stage I felt unable to cope with day-to-day life. I had stopped working as I found it too stressful and felt that I could never do my job well enough. I was at a very low point.
Working with Venetia, has helped me to return to an even keel and gain a fresh perspective on my life. The process we undertook has given me the tools to approach adversity and deal with the ups and downs that life throws up. Although ostensibly my life has not changed in any material sense, I am now able to enjoy the opportunities I have and face the adversities that come along. Venetia was a calm and supportive presence in my life enabling me to move on from a period of difficulty. Through her help, I feel confident that I have gained life- long skills that will continue to aid me in to the future”.

– Katherine W (Clapham)

“Feelings of anxiety will always be part of a busy lifestyle, but in my experience, having a strong CBT counsellor to help get those harsher aspects is essential. This is what I have achieved with Dr Green over 20 session and will continue to build on. Being local in Clapham helps take the edge off “of going to therapy”.

– Rebecca (Clapham)

“You’ve been there with me right in my darkest times – I’ve been more vulnerable with you than anyone in my life and shared all of my darkest fears.  What you do for people who are struggling is such a great thing………So from the bottom of my heart – thank you! You’ve helped me to change everything I attract in my life, the way I think, the way I will one day parent and the path that now lies in front of me.  In one way you could say that your impact will be seen for generations to come”.

– Clare (Clapham)

“I had a course of CBT Counselling with The Harley Psychology & Therapy Group (Richmond) and although it didn’t provide me with the quick fix miracle solution I was hoping for, it has made my problems feel more manageable”.

– Chris (Richmond)

“CBT Counselling is hard work, but I think it is worth putting in the effort”.

– David (Clapham)

“I struggled with anxiety/OCD for many many years but with the help from Lisa I was able to find myself again – enjoy the things that I used to and find my confidence again.  I’m much better having had sessions with Lisa – my concentration has improved markedly, everything’s a lot less complicated!  There’s homework each session which challenges your existing thought patterns and helps you identify what is causing problem behaviours.  If you want to get to the root of your problem these sessions can help you to get there”.

– Jennifer (Islington)

“Therapy has improved my life in a big way.   It has enabled me to think and act positively, and cope with every day stress and anxiety.   As a direct result of the tools I have gained, I am a much happier person.   I cannot recommend Dr Gray highly enough, and would encourage anyone who is struggling to give therapy a go”.

– Mark (Skype)

“For the first few CBT Counselling sessions I actually felt more anxious and thought about giving up, but I’m 10 sessions in now and things are starting to shift. It’s still isn’t plan sailing but I am hopeful that if I keep at it I will get there”.

– Anna (Marylebone)

I began having therapy because I had been struggling with anxiety over a number of years. It had got to the point where I was agoraphobic, tearful and fearful of many everyday situations. Walking down the road to the shops or going for a five minute drive filled me with dread. Outwardly, people thought I was coping – I was good at putting on a brave face. I’d been successful academically, I was in a loving relationship, had a good career and a wonderful baby, but I felt my life was getting smaller and smaller. I didn’t confide in my family and friends because I felt ashamed and I even feared I might be going mad!

Eventually I reached the point where I knew I had to do something.

Deciding to have therapy with Dr Gray is one of the most important decisions I have ever made. Her care, professionalism and insightfulness really have changed my life. Together we have talked through many of my long-held and deep-rooted fears and beliefs. In doing so, I’ve realised they weren’t the obstacles I once thought they were. The best way to describe it is that I feel more myself, happier, calmer, less guilty! I’ve also learned techniques to deal with anxiety when it comes – which it does less and less these days.

I’m now doing the things I had been afraid to do, travelling, driving, speaking in public and I feel like my life has opened up again. I also deal with conflict with loved ones more appropriately and I feel I’m a better mother because I have the headspace to be able to put my child first.

I’d recommend therapy to anyone who feels they’re struggling – and the truth is we all do struggle in some way. I used to believe having therapy was a sign of weakness. Now I think it’s just sensible, like taking exercise or having your car serviced. It keeps things running smoothly so that when life gets tough you can cope and when life is good you can enjoy it fully

Annabelle (Islington)

“The Harley Psychology & Therapy Group offer something unique in Nottingham I think, professional, effective and supportive treatment which is equal to a Harley St service. I lived in London for 15 years and had counselling there but wasn’t able to find an equivalent service in Nottingham until now”.

– Stephen. (Nottingham)

“I didn’t get along with the first psychologist I saw in Richmond and so was allocated another, no questions asked. I felt much more comfortable with the second psychologist I saw and they really helped me to understand why I was so stuck and how to unstick myself”.

– Jillian (Richmond)

“The British CBT & Counselling Service were not the first people I went to for counselling. In fact I went to two other counsellors in Clapham first. However CBT with these guys was the only type of counselling that worked for me. It was a bit more expensive but it was worth it”.

– Rosie (Clapham)

My experience of therapy has not only been positive, but effectively lifesaving.  When I sought help, my anxiety was so bad I couldn’t sleep for more than 30 mins at a time, I had multiple panic attacks per day, and could barely leave my home.  I had also been diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, which interfered with my life so badly I couldn’t work, study, or have a social life.  I sought therapy through Skype, as the idea of going out to an appointment was too overwhelming.  Within 2 or 3 months, my condition had improved so much I was back at work part-time, I was controlling my panic attacks enough to have a social life, and 5 months after that went back to university.  The CBT we worked with in sessions (and the individual work I did outside of the sessions by myself) was able to cure my CFS (a controversial statement, but I can say that this no longer affects my life in any way), and get a strong handle on my anxiety, meaning the idea of any future panic attacks no longer scared me:  I had a fool-proof way of dealing with them.

I continued to have therapy more sporadically over the following 3 years, and even though I often felt strong again, this was possibly the most helpful part of my therapy.  While I was in such a good place, I was able to rationally analyse the reasoning behind my difficulties, which has helped to tackle the problems at the source.

Since this, I have turned a new corner, and am now much more self-sufficient in terms of my therapy.  When a panic attack is provoked, I am able to work through CBT myself, sometimes in my head, sometimes by taking myself away from the situation and writing it down on paper.  I have become a much stronger, more resilient person.  These are words that had you asked me 10 years ago, I never would have thought I’d use to describe myself.

 – Anne (Skype)

“I would just like to say a big thank you for everything you have done for me.  When I came into therapy I had no idea in what way it could help, in the past I thought honesty was the answer to all and since I had already achieved that I was unsure how therapy would work for me.  I never thought it would be so, but I honestly believe that having a fuller comprehension of myself has really helped me come to terms, understand and be at peace with myself.  I feel much more grounded and in no way out of control.

– Philippa (Marylebone)

“I had therapy before but anxiety kept recurring with a higher intensity every time. I was feeling despair, panic and physical exhaustion when I had my first session with Venetia.
She helped me to understand my thought process and the impact it was having. She provided me with the techniques to challenge the negative thoughts and learn more helpful ways of thinking. Through our work together I have been able to bring balance and control to my life. Although negative thoughts can flare up at any time I now feel confident that I have the tools and mental strength to manage my emotions.
Venetia was highly dedicated and had a genuine commitment and interest in helping me to find solutions. It was very apparent that she was doing a lot of work outside of the sessions to ensure our sessions remained personal and specifically targeted to my own ongoing treatment.”

– Patricia(Clapham)

CBT Counselling For Couples

“My husband and I tried a number of counsellors in Fulham before we found The Harley Psychology & Therapy Group. It was such a different experience to the ones we had had before and this time it actually seems to have worked! I would recommend that if you are struggling in your relationship you should try them”.

– Polly (Fulham)

“I initially only agreed to couples counselling so my wife couldn’t accuse me of not trying but I have been pleasantly surprised by how it has helped us. Our psychologist didn’t take sides, didn’t judge and was able to identify what the problem was and help us to work out a solution in a relatively short space of time. I am pleased that we did this and would definitely recommend this service to other couples who are struggling to make things work.”.

– Jonathan (Marylebone)

“My husband and I came to see Venetia when we were at absolute crisis point in our marriage. We both felt committed to making it work but neither of us were at all able to see a way forward – to the point where we were unable to live together or spend very much more than an evening together without arguing. Venetia immediately helped us with practical advice, techniques and exercises to help us through that most difficult time. As we progressed we completely trusted her to develop a schedule of therapy for us as both a couple and individuals. We have found her approach very balanced and even handed – she is compassionate yet firm all in one. Without her guidance through this difficult time I struggle to see how we would have found a way through on our own – we are now back living together and looking forward to the future.”

Catherine (Clapham)

CBT Counselling For Children

“I went to The Harley Psychology & Therapy Group in Nottingham to get help for my daughter who was struggling with anxiety. The psychologist we saw was fantastic and quickly gained my daughter’s confidence and taught her strategies to manage her worries. We also did some work as a family and with the school which helped me to continue supporting my daughter after the treatment was finished. All very helpful. Thank you”.

– Anna (Nottingham)

Online CBT Counselling

“I have been having Online CBT Counselling with The Harley Psychology & Therapy Group for about 9 months and it has made such a difference. I struggled for years with an eating disorder and depression and I really feel like I’ve got my life back. The online CBT Counselling programme fitted in with the long hours I work and it actually felt more supportive that other types of counselling I have tried because I had contact with my psychologist up to 3 times a week. I am so glad that I tried this approach and would recommend it to anyone who needs help sorting out a problem”.

– Lizzie (Richmond)

Patient survey results

This data is drawn from a sample of 306 patients (169 women and 137 men) who received a course of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) from The Harley Psychology & Therapy Group between 2016 and 2019 for a range of mental health problems including anxiety (24.8%), panic attacks (17.3%), depression (4.9%), bereavement (4.9%) , obsessive compulsive disorder (7.1%), post traumatic stress disorder (3.9%), bulimia nervosa (4.2%), anorexia nervosa (0.6%), binge eating disorder (1.6%), and low self esteem (1.3%). Patients were a case series recruited over a 3 year period. Patients were asked to fill in the self report questionnaire that appears at the bottom of this page on completion of their CBT treatment programme, all response were anonymous. The average length of a CBT programme in this study was 25 sessions.