Exposure Response Prevention (ERP) Counselling in Knutsford
Hello and a very warm welcome to you. My name is Dr Hannah Cowan and I am a Consultant Clinical Psychologist working in private practice and the NHS. I provide a compassionate, warm, non-judgemental and effective psychological assessment and therapy service that is completely individualised to your needs and requirements. With over fifteen years of experience, I offer effective therapy for adults experiencing difficulties such as PTSD, anxiety, worry, depression, OCD, complex trauma and other psychological concerns that you may have. My fundamental aim is to work with you to reduce the emotional distress that you are experiencing.
Hello and a very warm welcome to you. My name is Dr Hannah Cowan and I am a Consultant Clinical Psychologist working in private practice and the NHS. I provide a compassionate, warm, non-judgemental and effective psychological assessment and therapy service that is completely individualised to your needs and requirements. With over fifteen years of experience, I offer effective therapy for adults experiencing difficulties such as PTSD, anxiety, worry, depression, OCD, complex trauma and other psychological concerns that you may have. My fundamental aim is to work with you to reduce the emotional distress that you are experiencing.
Most people don't come to me saying "I'm being manipulated." They say things like "I feel confused," "I'm always the one giving more," or, "I think I'm dealing with a narcissist,", "I don't understand what I'm doing wrong." They know something isn't right — and they often assume the problem is them.
If you're feeling stuck, depleted, or like you're walking on eggshells in a relationship — romantic, family, friendship or work — you're in the right place.
Most people don't come to me saying "I'm being manipulated." They say things like "I feel confused," "I'm always the one giving more," or, "I think I'm dealing with a narcissist,", "I don't understand what I'm doing wrong." They know something isn't right — and they often assume the problem is them.
If you're feeling stuck, depleted, or like you're walking on eggshells in a relationship — romantic, family, friendship or work — you're in the right place.
I am a psychologist and certified couple therapist (Imago). I am driven by my empathy and desire to help others. I welcome same-sex couples, all members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and people from all ethnic/cultural backgrounds. Born in France, I trained in the UK at the highest academic level and in multiple settings (incl. the NHS). I can help adults with many mental health difficulties (anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, trauma, OCD) and couples experiencing difficulties (communication, crisis, affairs). I am also highly experienced in supporting cancer patients and their families. Please see my website for more information.
I am a psychologist and certified couple therapist (Imago). I am driven by my empathy and desire to help others. I welcome same-sex couples, all members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and people from all ethnic/cultural backgrounds. Born in France, I trained in the UK at the highest academic level and in multiple settings (incl. the NHS). I can help adults with many mental health difficulties (anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, trauma, OCD) and couples experiencing difficulties (communication, crisis, affairs). I am also highly experienced in supporting cancer patients and their families. Please see my website for more information.
I aim to support any adult, child, young person, family or organisation to maximise their potential and effectively manage the difficulties that life often brings. I believe that by building an understanding of your social, emotional, psychological and physical needs, you can be supported to feel safe, ready to cope and able to achieve the goals that matter to you. My aim will be to help you to explore your needs, to better understand the difficulties you face and to provide tailored psychological support, based on a wide range of evidence based interventions to help develop solutions that work for you.
I aim to support any adult, child, young person, family or organisation to maximise their potential and effectively manage the difficulties that life often brings. I believe that by building an understanding of your social, emotional, psychological and physical needs, you can be supported to feel safe, ready to cope and able to achieve the goals that matter to you. My aim will be to help you to explore your needs, to better understand the difficulties you face and to provide tailored psychological support, based on a wide range of evidence based interventions to help develop solutions that work for you.
I’m a fully accredited Cognitive Behavioural Therapist (CBT) and Schema therapist with a PG Cert in Compassion Focused Therapy. Our work would focus on understanding how your early life experiences have shape the patterns you are experiencing. This may show up as feelings of anxiety such as social anxiety, OCD, health anxiety or panic, feelings of low self-esteem, shame, depression, detachment or feeling overwhelmed. Rather than only managing symptoms, Schema Therapy allows us to gently explore and heal deeper wounds. I work collaboratively and at your pace, helping you understand yourself with compassion and develop lasting change.
I’m a fully accredited Cognitive Behavioural Therapist (CBT) and Schema therapist with a PG Cert in Compassion Focused Therapy. Our work would focus on understanding how your early life experiences have shape the patterns you are experiencing. This may show up as feelings of anxiety such as social anxiety, OCD, health anxiety or panic, feelings of low self-esteem, shame, depression, detachment or feeling overwhelmed. Rather than only managing symptoms, Schema Therapy allows us to gently explore and heal deeper wounds. I work collaboratively and at your pace, helping you understand yourself with compassion and develop lasting change.
I am trained in both ERP and Cognitive Therapy for OCD, and can tailor treatment to you.
OCD is forever changing. Just as you find a way to shut it up, it finds a sneaky way to come at you - a new mutation of an intrusive thought, a new behaviour it convinces you to do, a new topic completely it switch to. It's a slippery so and so, which is why working with an experienced therapist is so important. Effective treatment isn't just about the intrusive thought that is at the front of your mind right now, it's about tackling any examples where you are acting as if your intrusive thoughts are true when they absolutely are not. Treatment isn't easy, most people have had OCD for years before therapy. But recovery is possible!
I am trained in both ERP and Cognitive Therapy for OCD, and can tailor treatment to you.
OCD is forever changing. Just as you find a way to shut it up, it finds a sneaky way to come at you - a new mutation of an intrusive thought, a new behaviour it convinces you to do, a new topic completely it switch to. It's a slippery so and so, which is why working with an experienced therapist is so important. Effective treatment isn't just about the intrusive thought that is at the front of your mind right now, it's about tackling any examples where you are acting as if your intrusive thoughts are true when they absolutely are not. Treatment isn't easy, most people have had OCD for years before therapy. But recovery is possible!
More Therapists Nearby
We humans tend to work against ourselves which creates a multitude of different struggles and distress levels throughout our lives. My clients come from all walks of life seeking help with for a wide range of problematic experiences or reactions. They can be struggling with current adverse life events, past traumas, clinical and personality difficulties or just plain fed up feeling like life is exhausting or demanding. However, they all ha a common goal: To make their world work better for them.
We humans tend to work against ourselves which creates a multitude of different struggles and distress levels throughout our lives. My clients come from all walks of life seeking help with for a wide range of problematic experiences or reactions. They can be struggling with current adverse life events, past traumas, clinical and personality difficulties or just plain fed up feeling like life is exhausting or demanding. However, they all ha a common goal: To make their world work better for them.
Are you not feeling like you are getting the most out of life and feel somewhat stuck in some way? Maybe you notice that your over-reacting with certain people or when in certain places or situations? Do you avoid doing certain things due to overwhelming feelings? Are you feeling unhelpful amounts of guilt/shame, feel unsafe in someway or out of control? If so, I can help you work through these by tailoring your sessions to your individual needs so that you learn about your self, start working towards your goal(s) and then start become self-sufficient with regard to what life throws at you.
Are you not feeling like you are getting the most out of life and feel somewhat stuck in some way? Maybe you notice that your over-reacting with certain people or when in certain places or situations? Do you avoid doing certain things due to overwhelming feelings? Are you feeling unhelpful amounts of guilt/shame, feel unsafe in someway or out of control? If so, I can help you work through these by tailoring your sessions to your individual needs so that you learn about your self, start working towards your goal(s) and then start become self-sufficient with regard to what life throws at you.
Many women seek therapy because something no longer feels quite right. Life may have shifted in a way you didn’t expect, or you may be carrying thoughts and feelings that are becoming harder to manage alone. You may feel anxious, down, overwhelmed or disconnected from yourself. These experiences often arise during periods of stress, life transitions, hormonal changes and uncertainty — when old ways of coping no longer work, or when past experiences begin to surface in the present. I offer a calm, reflective space to slow down, understand what feels unsettled, and begin to feel more grounded, supported and steady from within.
Many women seek therapy because something no longer feels quite right. Life may have shifted in a way you didn’t expect, or you may be carrying thoughts and feelings that are becoming harder to manage alone. You may feel anxious, down, overwhelmed or disconnected from yourself. These experiences often arise during periods of stress, life transitions, hormonal changes and uncertainty — when old ways of coping no longer work, or when past experiences begin to surface in the present. I offer a calm, reflective space to slow down, understand what feels unsettled, and begin to feel more grounded, supported and steady from within.
I became a therapist because I am passionate about people and improving as well as enhancing mental wellbeing. I understand that life can be a challenge and at times it may be hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel but I want to assure you that you do not have to go through life’s struggles by yourself. I am here for you and I am here with you. With your permission, I would like to come besides you and help you explore and discover events, thoughts, feelings and patterns of behaviour and together support you to make changes.
I became a therapist because I am passionate about people and improving as well as enhancing mental wellbeing. I understand that life can be a challenge and at times it may be hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel but I want to assure you that you do not have to go through life’s struggles by yourself. I am here for you and I am here with you. With your permission, I would like to come besides you and help you explore and discover events, thoughts, feelings and patterns of behaviour and together support you to make changes.
Dr Itzia Perez Morales - Clinical Psychologist
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Online Only
For anxiety and depression, interventions may include CBT, ERP, ACT, and CFT (these focus on unhelpful cognitive, emotional, and behavioural patterns).
I specialise in helping people with long-standing trauma and anxiety, who feel stuck in patterns of intrusive thoughts, persistent worries, self-criticism, and regret. Often, there are multiple overlapping difficulties that have affected identity, confidence, relationships, or daily life. I work with people who benefit from longer-term therapy, consistent appointments, and an individualised treatment plan that may involve one therapeutic approach or a carefully integrated combination of therapies. So, if previous therapy didn't brought the change you hoped, if you've felt unheard and unseen, you may be exactly who I work best with.
For anxiety and depression, interventions may include CBT, ERP, ACT, and CFT (these focus on unhelpful cognitive, emotional, and behavioural patterns).
I specialise in helping people with long-standing trauma and anxiety, who feel stuck in patterns of intrusive thoughts, persistent worries, self-criticism, and regret. Often, there are multiple overlapping difficulties that have affected identity, confidence, relationships, or daily life. I work with people who benefit from longer-term therapy, consistent appointments, and an individualised treatment plan that may involve one therapeutic approach or a carefully integrated combination of therapies. So, if previous therapy didn't brought the change you hoped, if you've felt unheard and unseen, you may be exactly who I work best with.
My name is Rachael Starkey and I am an accredited cognitive behavioural psychotherapist (CBT) and EMDR therapist, with over 20 years experience, working with both adults and children, in various roles within the NHS and social care sector. I am experienced in providing evidence-based treatment for a variety of conditions in line with the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines, such as depression and anxiety (OCD, social anxiety, health anxiety, body dysmorphia, panic and PTSD). I also have special interests in supporting people to manage symptoms of ADHD and long term physical health conditions.
My name is Rachael Starkey and I am an accredited cognitive behavioural psychotherapist (CBT) and EMDR therapist, with over 20 years experience, working with both adults and children, in various roles within the NHS and social care sector. I am experienced in providing evidence-based treatment for a variety of conditions in line with the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines, such as depression and anxiety (OCD, social anxiety, health anxiety, body dysmorphia, panic and PTSD). I also have special interests in supporting people to manage symptoms of ADHD and long term physical health conditions.
One thing I always say to my clients is that my ultimate goal is to 'make you your own therapist so you don't need me anymore'. I believe my role is to help you: Understand the problem and what is keeping it going. Identify goals for yourself both short term and long term to help give you focus. Learn strategies and techniques that can help you cope better, overcome and make positive changes. Be able to maintain your progress after therapy and reduce the chances or impacts of setbacks in the future. Become more resilient, understanding of good mental heath awareness which could have a positive impact on your relationships.
One thing I always say to my clients is that my ultimate goal is to 'make you your own therapist so you don't need me anymore'. I believe my role is to help you: Understand the problem and what is keeping it going. Identify goals for yourself both short term and long term to help give you focus. Learn strategies and techniques that can help you cope better, overcome and make positive changes. Be able to maintain your progress after therapy and reduce the chances or impacts of setbacks in the future. Become more resilient, understanding of good mental heath awareness which could have a positive impact on your relationships.
Being able to connect and have meaningful engagement is an important part of our lives. We can often find times through life that we struggle to make sense of who we are, and how we fit in. We may face challenges whilst navigating events in our lives we did not expect or anticipate. Therapy can assist you to be more robust and adaptive to changes whilst being more accepting of yourself.
I'm Sarah a psychotherapist with 15 year's experience working with adolescent, adults, and couples. I am skilled working with presentations of generalised anxiety disorder, social anxiety, OCD, PTSD, panic, health anxiety and phobias.
Being able to connect and have meaningful engagement is an important part of our lives. We can often find times through life that we struggle to make sense of who we are, and how we fit in. We may face challenges whilst navigating events in our lives we did not expect or anticipate. Therapy can assist you to be more robust and adaptive to changes whilst being more accepting of yourself.
I'm Sarah a psychotherapist with 15 year's experience working with adolescent, adults, and couples. I am skilled working with presentations of generalised anxiety disorder, social anxiety, OCD, PTSD, panic, health anxiety and phobias.
Many people struggle with thoughts like “I’m the problem,” “I’m worthless,” or “What if something bad happens…” thoughts that can make everyday tasks feel overwhelming. These patterns often come with anxiety, low mood, obsessive thinking or behaviours, and a constant sense of being on edge or disconnected. I specialise in helping you recognise, understand, and gently challenge these unhelpful thought patterns using evidence‑based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). My approach focuses on small, meaningful changes that help you feel calmer, more grounded, and more in control.
Many people struggle with thoughts like “I’m the problem,” “I’m worthless,” or “What if something bad happens…” thoughts that can make everyday tasks feel overwhelming. These patterns often come with anxiety, low mood, obsessive thinking or behaviours, and a constant sense of being on edge or disconnected. I specialise in helping you recognise, understand, and gently challenge these unhelpful thought patterns using evidence‑based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). My approach focuses on small, meaningful changes that help you feel calmer, more grounded, and more in control.
Deciding to come to therapy, and choosing a therapist, is an incredibly big decision. Over the years, I have found that a lot of my clients have not always had the best experience with practitioners, and this can cause significant anxiety when deciding to access therapy again. Whether you are coming to therapy for the first time, or you have had therapy before, I respect the care and time that is needed to find the right person for you. It is important for you to feel safe and valued for you to explore what is happening in your life. Please don't hesitate to get in touch if you want to learn a little more about me and my approach.
Deciding to come to therapy, and choosing a therapist, is an incredibly big decision. Over the years, I have found that a lot of my clients have not always had the best experience with practitioners, and this can cause significant anxiety when deciding to access therapy again. Whether you are coming to therapy for the first time, or you have had therapy before, I respect the care and time that is needed to find the right person for you. It is important for you to feel safe and valued for you to explore what is happening in your life. Please don't hesitate to get in touch if you want to learn a little more about me and my approach.
Life can sometimes feel overwhelming, leaving you stuck in patterns of anxiety, self-doubt, overthinking, or emotional distress. I offer a warm, supportive, and non-judgmental space where we can work together to understand the difficulties you're facing and create meaningful, lasting change. I work with adults and young people experiencing anxiety, OCD, trauma, low self-esteem, stress, depression, and relationship difficulties. Using evidence-based approaches including CBT and EMDR, therapy is tailored to your individual needs, helping you build resilience, develop practical coping strategies, and move towards a more fulfilling life
Life can sometimes feel overwhelming, leaving you stuck in patterns of anxiety, self-doubt, overthinking, or emotional distress. I offer a warm, supportive, and non-judgmental space where we can work together to understand the difficulties you're facing and create meaningful, lasting change. I work with adults and young people experiencing anxiety, OCD, trauma, low self-esteem, stress, depression, and relationship difficulties. Using evidence-based approaches including CBT and EMDR, therapy is tailored to your individual needs, helping you build resilience, develop practical coping strategies, and move towards a more fulfilling life
Welcome. Thank you for taking the time to view my profile. My name is Clare, and I am an accredited CBT Therapist and Mindfulness Teacher with a background in humanistic therapy. I am experienced in providing both group and individual therapy in both inpatient and outpatient settings in the NHS, charitable organisations and the private sector. I am person centred in my approach which means that I put you the client at the centre of everything that I do and provide an empathic and non-judgemental space. I understand that it can be daunting reaching out for support and I am skilled at putting clients at ease.
Welcome. Thank you for taking the time to view my profile. My name is Clare, and I am an accredited CBT Therapist and Mindfulness Teacher with a background in humanistic therapy. I am experienced in providing both group and individual therapy in both inpatient and outpatient settings in the NHS, charitable organisations and the private sector. I am person centred in my approach which means that I put you the client at the centre of everything that I do and provide an empathic and non-judgemental space. I understand that it can be daunting reaching out for support and I am skilled at putting clients at ease.
Hello, I have 20 years work experience with adults experiencing depression and anxiety disorders, with a special interest in Trauma, adaptation to Long term Conditions like Fibromyalgia, self-esteem and couple conflicts.
I focus on understanding how past experience, beliefs and patterns influence the way we see the world today. Through curiosity and compassion and with a clear treatment plan informed by evidence-based approaches, I like helping people develop self-awareness and general psychological flexibility.
Hello, I have 20 years work experience with adults experiencing depression and anxiety disorders, with a special interest in Trauma, adaptation to Long term Conditions like Fibromyalgia, self-esteem and couple conflicts.
I focus on understanding how past experience, beliefs and patterns influence the way we see the world today. Through curiosity and compassion and with a clear treatment plan informed by evidence-based approaches, I like helping people develop self-awareness and general psychological flexibility.
For OCD, I use ERP to help face fears safely and ACT to build tolerance to uncertainty—so intrusive thoughts lose their power.
If you’re feeling trapped by anxiety, OCD, or self-doubt, you’re not alone. These struggles can be overwhelming, but with the right support, they don’t have to control your life. My approach combines creative and evidence-based strategies to help you regain confidence and take back control. With 13 years experience as a psychotherapist, I specialize in helping people break free from anxiety, traumatic events and OCD. I’ll help you understand why your symptoms present and teach you practical strategies to reduce them—so you can live life on your terms.
If you're ready to take the first step toward change, I'd love to hear from you.
For OCD, I use ERP to help face fears safely and ACT to build tolerance to uncertainty—so intrusive thoughts lose their power.
If you’re feeling trapped by anxiety, OCD, or self-doubt, you’re not alone. These struggles can be overwhelming, but with the right support, they don’t have to control your life. My approach combines creative and evidence-based strategies to help you regain confidence and take back control. With 13 years experience as a psychotherapist, I specialize in helping people break free from anxiety, traumatic events and OCD. I’ll help you understand why your symptoms present and teach you practical strategies to reduce them—so you can live life on your terms.
If you're ready to take the first step toward change, I'd love to hear from you.
Nearby Exposure Response Prevention (ERP) Counsellors Searches for Knutsford
- Alderley Edge
- Altrincham
- Bolton
- Leigh
- Manchester
- Nantwich
- Prestwich
- Saint Helens
- Salford
- Stockport
- Warrington
- Wilmslow
Exposure Response Prevention (ERP) Counsellors
Do I need exposure and response prevention therapy?
Many clients decide to seek help for obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviours when these symptoms are distressing enough to disrupt everyday life. Any thoughts or behaviours that cause friction in close relationships are also worth addressing. In addition, the client’s symptoms don’t have to be severe for them to benefit from ERP therapy.
Is exposure and response prevention therapy part of cognitive behavioural therapy?
Exposure and response prevention is one specific type of CBT that focuses on behavioural change in response to triggering stimuli. It is related to exposure therapy but adds an additional component of preventing compulsive and harmful responses.
How long does exposure and response prevention therapy take?
While every patient is different, exposure and response prevention therapy typically lasts around 12 sessions, although some treatments can take longer. A therapist will determine if the treatment is complete based on how the client faces their fears, particularly the strongest ones. When a client feels less anxiety about stimuli that once evoked terror or distress, that is generally an indication that they are nearing the end of ERP therapy.
What are the limitations of exposure and response prevention therapy?
The most common pitfalls of exposure and response prevention therapy include not addressing a client’s core fears, allowing the client to avoid their most distressing stimuli, and using imaginary exposure when the client requires real-life exposure (and vice versa). ERP therapy is most effective when the client commits to the full course of treatment; if the client stops early or doesn’t practice what they have learned outside of therapy sessions, they are less likely to have successful outcomes.