Rebecca Chalmers-Woods psychotherapy
Therapy is a real gift to ourselves, it’s a huge undertaking, it’s time consuming, a financial commitment and can be a painful journey. My passion is to help people get in touch with their autonomy and take charge of their lives. I use cognitive analytic therapy to help us with this, where we unpack and understand thoughts and feelings with curiosity rather than judgment. starting off with a genogram so we can explore and understand early life experiences that have shaped us. Once we have understood our patterns of relating to ourselves and others then we can think about change.
Referral Criteria & Process
I offer an initial 15 minute telephone consultation to discuss your current difficulties, what you are looking for from therapy, and whether my approach may be suitable for your needs.
If we feel that working together could be helpful, I suggest arranging an initial assessment session to give us the opportunity to meet, explore your goals for treatment, and consider whether I am the right person to support you. Finding a therapist you feel comfortable and able to work with is an important part of the therapeutic process.
Following this initial session, we can discuss the most appropriate way forward, including the frequency and format of sessions. Where appropriate, I can work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals involved in your care.
Qualifications
UKCP registered Cognitive Analytic Psychotherapist
ACAT accredited Psychotherapist
ACAT accredited Supervisor
Practicing as a senior Cognitive Analytic psychotherapist and supervisor in a central London Eating Disorder NHS specialist service
Training
I completed my Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT) Practitioner training, followed by my psychotherapy training. I have over 25 years of experience working in specialist eating disorder services as a Senior Psychotherapist and Supervisor, supporting individuals with a wide range of eating disorders and related psychological difficulties. I am committed to maintaining the highest professional and ethical standards and regularly engage in continuing professional development to ensure my practice remains evidence-based and up to date.
Experience
I have extensive experience supporting adults with anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), and Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder (OSFED), as well as the emotional and psychological difficulties that often accompany these conditions. My work includes helping individuals explore the underlying factors that maintain their eating disorder, develop a more compassionate relationship with themselves, and build sustainable strategies to support recovery. I recognise that recovery is different for everyone and tailor therapy to each person’s individual needs, goals, and stage of recovery.