Since starting my undergraduate psychology degree in 1994, I have spent my life studying and working as a psychologist, firstly as a researcher and then as a clinician. I am a Chartered Clinical Psychologist with extensive experience across a range of areas of mental health specialising in health psychology and adult mental health. I have worked with hundreds of clients of all ages with a range of emotional difficulties including anxiety, depression, work-related stress, health anxiety, low self-esteem, chronic pain, phobias and emotion-regulation difficulties.
My aim is to offer warmth and compassion with a view to creating an open and trusting relationship with my clients. This means being alongside others within their distress and supporting them to find meaningful alternative ways to live their life that will lead to greater fulfilment. I have found psychological therapy can support this process by providing a safe and hopeful place for people to explore how they would like to be in the wider world. I believe in working together with clients combining my experience and training with their expertise of themselves and their lives.
I completed my B.Sc. and Ph.D. in Psychology at Cardiff University before being awarded a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology by the University of Exeter. In addition to my clinical work, I have conducted psychological research for over 20 years much of which has been published in international scientific journals. My teaching career has included undergraduate and postgraduate teaching at Cardiff University, Bath University and the University of Manchester.
I am a Clinical Psychologist with over 20 years experience working with individuals who are struggling with psychological, emotional and behavioural difficulties. I have a deep commitment to reduce unnecessary suffering, wherever possible and to promote rich and meaningful connection with life.
My journey to become a Clinical Psychologist began in 1995 with an undergraduate degree, followed by a Masters degree at Cardiff University. I went on to achieve a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology in 2008 since which time, I have worked extensively within the NHS and private practice, as well as for Macmillan Cancer Support.
I am passionate about the methods I use, having seen the benefits within my own life and the lives of the hundreds of individuals I have been privileged to work with over the years. I have been explicitly guided by the research evidence to offer three main types of therapy: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) and Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing (EMDR). I use meditation and mindfulness where appropriate, drawing on my own longstanding personal practice to aid this aspect of the work.
Although the therapeutic approaches detailed above are the fundamental tools with which I work, the greatest benefits often come from the safe and empowering nature of the therapeutic alliance between therapist and client. I believe that my greatest assets as a Clinical Psychologist are my ability to be present with my clients, with respect, authenticity and compassion – values that are of fundamental importance to me.
Aside from my clinical work, I am also an experienced researcher and have published articles in peer-reviewed journals across topics such as chronic pain, mindfulness, addiction and substance abuse. I was also involved in the development and evaluation of a CBT manual for therapists in 2003. These publications are in my maiden name: Bryany Cusens.
I adhere to continuing professional development (CPD) requirements with attendance at advanced workshops and conferences to ensure that my knowledge and skills are in line with current best practice. With continued study comes a deeper understanding and appreciation for the theoretical bases of therapeutic models, and enhanced skills training. As a consequence, I am able to provide bespoke approaches, tailored to your unique needs.
We also work in partnership with the Bath Act and Psychology Service, please see their website for further details.