Cognitive Behavioural Therapist

Specialties: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy with Mood Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, Eating Disorders, Psychosis, Anger, Somatic Disorders, and Trauma

Main Affiliations:

Education:

Diploma of Higher Education in Psychiatric Nursing, University of York UK
Bachelor of Arts (Hons.) Forensic Nursing, Sheffield Hallam University UK
Master of Science in Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy, University of Derby UK

Professional Registrations & Certification:

Nursing & Midwifery Council UK
College of Registered Psychiatric Nurses BC #07966
Accredited member of the Canadian Association of Cognitive Behavioural Therapists

I took the long route to become a Psychotherapist. I initially trained and worked in many different areas of Psychiatric Nursing both in the UK and BC, but I was left feeling like I could do more for clients. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) was very appealing to me as it is so practical in that it aims towards reducing the obstacles that get in the way of living in the way that a person wants to. I find the idea that we all perceive the world differently to each other and that often our emotions are trying to protect us from what it is that we perceive as unmanageable in our world, really makes a lot of sense. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is backed up by a mountain of research that demonstrates it to be very effective in helping people to not avoid their distressing emotions and instead allow them to happen in a way that is manageable. In fact, my own personal experience is that this approach helped me to cope with my intense fear of public speaking to the point where I now give presentations and teach at least two to three times a week! I believe that this approach works well for many people and I always feel a great sense of fulfilment when therapy comes to an end for a person, when they are able to stop coming to see me and go out and live their lives. I look forward to being involved in your journey to understand and experience your emotions.

Scott joined Alongside You in November 2015, because he was keen to continue to use the skills that he worked so hard to develop, to help people overcome mood, anxiety and other problems.

How can Scott help you?

Scott’s primary role is to make good connections with people that can lead to them doing cognitive behavioural therapy work together. The connection is important because the work is not always easy, but it is worth it. He relies on his great ability to develop good relationships with people where they can trust that he will hear what they want and need and then work towards those goals. Good listening skills, the ability to reflect on how he affects the therapy process and a thorough knowledge of cognitive behavioural therapy are also important.

The feeling of walking someone down the hall after their last session when Scott can see how different their life has become because of what they learned can’t be matched in his work life. That walk feels as light as air.

What is Scott like outside of work?

 Scott loves spending time with his wife and young daughter. It is a great way for him to relax. His daughter really brings him back to the important things in life. Scott also enjoys playing soccer (badly), going to the gym and reading.

Scott always wanted to be the pilot of one of those really big planes in the Royal Air Force. He doesn’t really think he’s suited to military life though. Hence what would he be doing if he was not a therapist? He would be a presenter on Top Gear, the motoring show from the UK. A show where essentially you get to mess around with cars, come up with silly challenges and pretend that middle age men can still look cool.