Ruth Parchment CBT Cambridge Psychotherapist
- CBT Cambridge Cognitive Behavioral Therapy BABCP Ruth Parchment Psychotherapist - RuthParchmentCBT
My Therapeutic Approach
WHAT IS CBT?
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a practical, evidence-based therapy that helps people understand the relationship between their thoughts, emotions, behaviours, physical sensations, and life experiences. CBT focuses on understanding what may be keeping difficulties going in the present and developing strategies to create meaningful change.
CBT is recommended by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) for a wide range of difficulties, including anxiety, depression, OCD, PTSD, panic disorder, social anxiety, and body dysmorphia.
While CBT forms the foundation of my work, I believe therapy should be tailored to the individual rather than fitting everyone into the same model. Alongside CBT, I draw upon a range of evidence-based approaches, selecting the tools and perspectives that best fit your needs, goals, and experiences.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
ACT helps people develop greater psychological flexibility. Rather than getting caught in a struggle with difficult thoughts and emotions, we learn how to respond to them differently. A central part of this approach involves identifying what truly matters to you and using those values as a guide for meaningful action. Together, we explore how you can move towards the life you want, even when anxiety, self-doubt, or uncertainty show up along the way.
Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT)
Many people live with a harsh inner critic, holding themselves to impossible standards or carrying feelings of shame, inadequacy, or self-blame. CFT helps you develop a kinder and more supportive relationship with yourself, creating the emotional safety needed for growth, resilience, and lasting change.
Narrative Therapy
The stories we tell ourselves about who we are, what we've experienced, and what is possible for us can have a powerful influence on our lives. Narrative Therapy helps us step back and examine these stories with curiosity and compassion. Together, we can explore where they came from, identify beliefs that may be keeping you stuck, and discover alternative perspectives that better reflect your strengths, values, and hopes for the future.
Mindfulness
Mindfulness encourages us to slow down and pay attention to our thoughts, emotions, and experiences in the present moment. Rather than operating on autopilot, it can help us respond with greater awareness, choice, and self-compassion, even during difficult times.
Together, these approaches can help you better understand yourself, identify patterns that may be keeping you stuck, reconnect with what matters most to you, and develop practical tools for meaningful and lasting change.