Mindfulness-Based (MBCT) Counselling in St Albans

Nicola M. Richter
Psychotherapist, MSc, MUKCP
I am here for you to talk about your emotional, psychological & spiritual/transpersonal and mindfulness issues.
My approach is interactive. With my vast clinical experience and additional trainings annually, I remain human in our dialogues. I put your uniqueness first. In a safe environment and trusting therapeutic relationship you can discuss your innermost thoughts, feelings and beliefs, where I accept you the way you are and support you in what you wish to change.
I am here for you to talk about your emotional, psychological & spiritual/transpersonal and mindfulness issues.
My approach is interactive. With my vast clinical experience and additional trainings annually, I remain human in our dialogues. I put your uniqueness first. In a safe environment and trusting therapeutic relationship you can discuss your innermost thoughts, feelings and beliefs, where I accept you the way you are and support you in what you wish to change.
01727 750088 View 01727 750088
Effie Molyva
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBABCP
1 Endorsed
Online Only
I am a BABCP accredited CBT therapist with extensive experience supporting clients with anxiety and depression both in the NHS as well as privately. In my practice I work together with clients to offer support for a range of anxiety disorders including social anxiety, health anxiety, treatment of phobias, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Panic attacks, OCD and Generalised anxiety as well as difficulties with low mood. An area of particular interest for me is offering support to women and men who may struggle during the perinatal period. Having a baby is an exciting
I am a BABCP accredited CBT therapist with extensive experience supporting clients with anxiety and depression both in the NHS as well as privately. In my practice I work together with clients to offer support for a range of anxiety disorders including social anxiety, health anxiety, treatment of phobias, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Panic attacks, OCD and Generalised anxiety as well as difficulties with low mood. An area of particular interest for me is offering support to women and men who may struggle during the perinatal period. Having a baby is an exciting
01727 638249 View 01727 638249
Karine Flynn
Psychotherapist, MSc, GMBPsS
You've done years of therapy. You understand your patterns, can explain exactly why you react the way you do. You know why your chest tightens when someone's mood shifts, why you say yes when you mean no, why you choose people who confirm your fears. But understanding hasn't created lasting change. You're still doing it. That's bc insight lives in your mind, but trauma is held in your nervous system, your tissues, your cells. The anxiety in your stomach isn't a thought you can reframe. The shutdown when someone gets close isn't a boundary you chose. Those are your body's responses to old survival patterns that never got completed.
You've done years of therapy. You understand your patterns, can explain exactly why you react the way you do. You know why your chest tightens when someone's mood shifts, why you say yes when you mean no, why you choose people who confirm your fears. But understanding hasn't created lasting change. You're still doing it. That's bc insight lives in your mind, but trauma is held in your nervous system, your tissues, your cells. The anxiety in your stomach isn't a thought you can reframe. The shutdown when someone gets close isn't a boundary you chose. Those are your body's responses to old survival patterns that never got completed.
01438 907262 View 01438 907262
Benjamin McMahon
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBABCP
1 Endorsed
Hi there! I'm thrilled to introduce my private practice, specialising in evidence-based, cognitive behavioural approaches. Are you hoping to learn effective strategies to improve your mood, reframe negative thoughts, or reduce the impact anxiety has on your daily experience? Perhaps I can help. I have spent the last eight years delivering therapeutic interventions across mental health settings within the NHS, enabling those I work with to overcome a variety of mental health challenges.
Hi there! I'm thrilled to introduce my private practice, specialising in evidence-based, cognitive behavioural approaches. Are you hoping to learn effective strategies to improve your mood, reframe negative thoughts, or reduce the impact anxiety has on your daily experience? Perhaps I can help. I have spent the last eight years delivering therapeutic interventions across mental health settings within the NHS, enabling those I work with to overcome a variety of mental health challenges.
01727 326613 View 01727 326613
Charlotte Maxen
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
2 Endorsed
Online Only
Hello, I’m Charlotte, I am a qualified counsellor dedicated to supporting individuals as they navigate life’s challenges and reconnect with their sense of wellbeing and themselves. I believe that every person has the capacity for growth, healing, and meaningful change, and my role is to provide a safe, compassionate space where those possibilities can unfold. I support people experiencing depression, anxiety, grief and relationship challenges to name a few and I specialise in working with people with trauma. I would love to share that journey with you, please contact me if you would like to discuss your challenges further.
Hello, I’m Charlotte, I am a qualified counsellor dedicated to supporting individuals as they navigate life’s challenges and reconnect with their sense of wellbeing and themselves. I believe that every person has the capacity for growth, healing, and meaningful change, and my role is to provide a safe, compassionate space where those possibilities can unfold. I support people experiencing depression, anxiety, grief and relationship challenges to name a few and I specialise in working with people with trauma. I would love to share that journey with you, please contact me if you would like to discuss your challenges further.
01727 326809 View 01727 326809
Lauren Street
Psychotherapist, MBACP Accred
3 Endorsed
As therapists for both adults & children we understand the impact of today's ever changing world can have on us at any age. We offer you the opportunity to talk through your worries and feel more emotionally tolerant for the future ahead; whichever path you choose to take. We can help you build your self-esteem and promote confidence in your own ability; using the tools you already have and new ones you'll develop. Anxiety, anger, depression & shame are words we're hearing more frequently but have we become intolerant to experiencing them? We offer you an opportunity to talk through your issues in an emotionally healthy way.
As therapists for both adults & children we understand the impact of today's ever changing world can have on us at any age. We offer you the opportunity to talk through your worries and feel more emotionally tolerant for the future ahead; whichever path you choose to take. We can help you build your self-esteem and promote confidence in your own ability; using the tools you already have and new ones you'll develop. Anxiety, anger, depression & shame are words we're hearing more frequently but have we become intolerant to experiencing them? We offer you an opportunity to talk through your issues in an emotionally healthy way.
01727 260264 View 01727 260264
Ashleigh Marie Underwood
Psychotherapist, MBABCP
2 Endorsed
I am a BABCP-registered Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist and an NMC registered general nurse with a diverse background. I have extensive Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) and eating disorder experience and currently work within a community CAMHS team. In my private practice I deliver CBT to all ages for depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, eating disorders and pre and postnatal mental health difficulties to name a few. I am based in Hertfordshire. I can offer therapy over the phone, via MS teams and face to face. The therapy rooms I use for face to face work are based in Wheathampsted and Hertford.
I am a BABCP-registered Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist and an NMC registered general nurse with a diverse background. I have extensive Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) and eating disorder experience and currently work within a community CAMHS team. In my private practice I deliver CBT to all ages for depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, eating disorders and pre and postnatal mental health difficulties to name a few. I am based in Hertfordshire. I can offer therapy over the phone, via MS teams and face to face. The therapy rooms I use for face to face work are based in Wheathampsted and Hertford.
01582 377216 View 01582 377216
Indu Khurana
Counsellor, MA, MBACP Accred
If you want relief from stress and anxiety, low mood & frustration / anger, to learn coping mechanisms, and to understand the psychological processes that drive your emotions, and thus your behaviours, then you've come to the right place. If you want an external, objective perspective on your life, to get more out of it, to understand why you behave a certain way, why others behave the way they do with you, then I can help.
If you want relief from stress and anxiety, low mood & frustration / anger, to learn coping mechanisms, and to understand the psychological processes that drive your emotions, and thus your behaviours, then you've come to the right place. If you want an external, objective perspective on your life, to get more out of it, to understand why you behave a certain way, why others behave the way they do with you, then I can help.
01727 326645 View 01727 326645
Psychology & Group Analytic Consultancy
Psychologist, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
I am a Consultant Psychologist, Group Analyst and Psychotherapist with over 25 years’ experience working across NHS specialist services, trauma and hospital settings with people experiencing complex emotional and relational difficulties. I love working with groups, couples and individuals, and value the depth that comes from relational work. Together, we make sense of what feels difficult, deepen self-understanding, and open up greater ease and wellbeing in relationships and life. My approach is relational and psychodynamic, grounded in the belief that we change and grow through connection with others.
I am a Consultant Psychologist, Group Analyst and Psychotherapist with over 25 years’ experience working across NHS specialist services, trauma and hospital settings with people experiencing complex emotional and relational difficulties. I love working with groups, couples and individuals, and value the depth that comes from relational work. Together, we make sense of what feels difficult, deepen self-understanding, and open up greater ease and wellbeing in relationships and life. My approach is relational and psychodynamic, grounded in the belief that we change and grow through connection with others.
View
Danielle Slater
Psychotherapist, MA, MUKCP
1 Endorsed
Mental health conditions don’t arise because there is something wrong with us but because at some point we have left parts of ourselves behind through life's inevitable ups and downs. Left unprocessed these experiences deplete and shrink us causing the typical MH issues so familiar to us. We feel unseen and a 'less than' version. Good therapy is about reclaiming yourself bringing together mind, body and spiritual aspects that contribute to your well-being. Reviving purpose, joy and pleasure once again. Put simply, good therapy is about healing and leads to a greater potential in you.
Mental health conditions don’t arise because there is something wrong with us but because at some point we have left parts of ourselves behind through life's inevitable ups and downs. Left unprocessed these experiences deplete and shrink us causing the typical MH issues so familiar to us. We feel unseen and a 'less than' version. Good therapy is about reclaiming yourself bringing together mind, body and spiritual aspects that contribute to your well-being. Reviving purpose, joy and pleasure once again. Put simply, good therapy is about healing and leads to a greater potential in you.
01727 326591 View 01727 326591
Vanessa Maier
Psychologist, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
She is experience in Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, Compassion Focused Therapy, CBT, Mindfulness and Creative methods and is trained in Process Oriented Psychotherapy.
Delivering a warm and compassionate approach, Vanessa will work with you to formulate the best way forward, tailoring a unique program to meaningfully support you. Her approach to supporting wellness and good mental health is further informed by society and culture studies, philosophy, and an interest in nutrition and neuroscience.
She is experience in Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, Compassion Focused Therapy, CBT, Mindfulness and Creative methods and is trained in Process Oriented Psychotherapy.
Delivering a warm and compassionate approach, Vanessa will work with you to formulate the best way forward, tailoring a unique program to meaningfully support you. Her approach to supporting wellness and good mental health is further informed by society and culture studies, philosophy, and an interest in nutrition and neuroscience.
020 3962 0425 View 020 3962 0425
Dr Andrea Ralph
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Hello, I’m Andrea, a Clinical Psychologist with over 16 years of experience working across the NHS and private practice. I specialise in supporting children, young people, and parents who are facing life’s challenges, feeling stuck, or wanting things to change. I offer a warm, creative and non-judgemental space to make sense of the difficulties and move forwards in a way that feels meaningful. I support with themes such as anxiety, mood, relationship difficulties, self-esteem, and identity. I’m also deeply interested in parent wellbeing — particularly in supporting parents as they begin/navigate the many transitions of parenting.
Hello, I’m Andrea, a Clinical Psychologist with over 16 years of experience working across the NHS and private practice. I specialise in supporting children, young people, and parents who are facing life’s challenges, feeling stuck, or wanting things to change. I offer a warm, creative and non-judgemental space to make sense of the difficulties and move forwards in a way that feels meaningful. I support with themes such as anxiety, mood, relationship difficulties, self-esteem, and identity. I’m also deeply interested in parent wellbeing — particularly in supporting parents as they begin/navigate the many transitions of parenting.
View
Marina Counselling and Psychotherapy
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP Accred
As a BACP accredited Psychotherapist and University lecturer with over 10 years of experience, I offer a safe, professional and productive therapeutic space for my clients for CBT, EMDR, counselling and psychotherapy. I have worked within the NHS, schools, support centres for young people and women, and have experience supporting clients with various issues. Embarking on the journey of talking therapy can indeed feel daunting. Please rest assured that I am here to support you with a kind, empathetic approach. Also, with a Masters in Psychotherapy and a Ba (Hons) in teaching, I bring a dynamic and refreshing approach to therapy.
As a BACP accredited Psychotherapist and University lecturer with over 10 years of experience, I offer a safe, professional and productive therapeutic space for my clients for CBT, EMDR, counselling and psychotherapy. I have worked within the NHS, schools, support centres for young people and women, and have experience supporting clients with various issues. Embarking on the journey of talking therapy can indeed feel daunting. Please rest assured that I am here to support you with a kind, empathetic approach. Also, with a Masters in Psychotherapy and a Ba (Hons) in teaching, I bring a dynamic and refreshing approach to therapy.
01727 326468 View 01727 326468
Emma Morris
Psychologist, PhD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
I am a HCPC and BPS registered Consultant Clinical Psychologist with 25 years of experience. I have held senior leadership roles within the NHS and the charity sector. I specialise in work with emotion regulation- including anxiety disorders and depression, trauma, parenting and relationship difficulties (including parental conflict). I want people (including children) to feel that we are working in collaboration and that they have an active role in their recovery. I prioritise helping people to feel safe, respected and like they can bring any thought, feeling, experience or memory without fear of judgement or of being overwhelmed.
I am a HCPC and BPS registered Consultant Clinical Psychologist with 25 years of experience. I have held senior leadership roles within the NHS and the charity sector. I specialise in work with emotion regulation- including anxiety disorders and depression, trauma, parenting and relationship difficulties (including parental conflict). I want people (including children) to feel that we are working in collaboration and that they have an active role in their recovery. I prioritise helping people to feel safe, respected and like they can bring any thought, feeling, experience or memory without fear of judgement or of being overwhelmed.
01548 808692 View 01548 808692
Dr Paul Workman
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
I am a Clinical Psychologist, Accredited EMDR (Adult, Adolescent & Child) Therapist and Chartered Member & Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society (BPS) with experience working within Adult & Child and Adolescent Mental Health settings. I aim to offer a compassionate and person-centred approach to support people to understand how their problems have come to be and work together to resolve the issues that bring them to therapy.
I am a Clinical Psychologist, Accredited EMDR (Adult, Adolescent & Child) Therapist and Chartered Member & Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society (BPS) with experience working within Adult & Child and Adolescent Mental Health settings. I aim to offer a compassionate and person-centred approach to support people to understand how their problems have come to be and work together to resolve the issues that bring them to therapy.
01727 738506 View 01727 738506
Hayley Ryan
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP Snr. Accred
If we never take a leap of faith then we never know. More significantly we remain stuck. I often talk to clients about the power of change. In my work I am for people to gain a greater understanding of who they really are. Whilst enabling them to explore their feelings, circumstances and relationships. The goal of our work together is to challenge any destructive patterns or behaviours and work towards positive active change. In the end this enables people to live a more fulfilling and calmer life.
If we never take a leap of faith then we never know. More significantly we remain stuck. I often talk to clients about the power of change. In my work I am for people to gain a greater understanding of who they really are. Whilst enabling them to explore their feelings, circumstances and relationships. The goal of our work together is to challenge any destructive patterns or behaviours and work towards positive active change. In the end this enables people to live a more fulfilling and calmer life.
01727 634564 View 01727 634564
Alison Ryan
Psychologist, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Waitlist for new clients
Are you feeling anxious, overwhelmed, miserable or unable to live the life you want? It can be difficult to make positive changes sometimes. You know you would like things to be different, but it's hard to know where to start. I offer a warm, compassionate, and open approach to understand what you would like to be different. and what is keeping things stuck. Working together with you, I use a range of evidence based approaches to help you move forwards in living the life you want.
Are you feeling anxious, overwhelmed, miserable or unable to live the life you want? It can be difficult to make positive changes sometimes. You know you would like things to be different, but it's hard to know where to start. I offer a warm, compassionate, and open approach to understand what you would like to be different. and what is keeping things stuck. Working together with you, I use a range of evidence based approaches to help you move forwards in living the life you want.
View
Rachel Marfleet
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
1 Endorsed
I am a Clinical Psychologist with over 20 years experience working with children, adults and families. I have worked in the NHS at Great Ormond Street Hospital, Nottingham Children’s Hospital, and Sheffield Children’s Hospital, and currently work in the NHS with adults with cancer. I am an associate member of the Institute of Narrative Therapy.
I am a Clinical Psychologist with over 20 years experience working with children, adults and families. I have worked in the NHS at Great Ormond Street Hospital, Nottingham Children’s Hospital, and Sheffield Children’s Hospital, and currently work in the NHS with adults with cancer. I am an associate member of the Institute of Narrative Therapy.
View
Dr Sarah Ralph
Psychologist, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Online Only
My clients are as diverse as the world in which we live and I endeavour to be culturally aware within my practice. I specialise within anxiety, mood disorders, and spiritual growth. My areas of work include depression, stress, bereavement and grief, anxiety, panic, phobias, self-esteem, self-worth, confidence, body image, eating disorders, suicidality and self-harming behaviours, family and relationship issues, trauma, and abuse (not an exhaustive list). The unique nature of therapy means that it can be time-limited or may be open-ended, it may be goal orientated or more flexibly experienced, we will work together to decide.
My clients are as diverse as the world in which we live and I endeavour to be culturally aware within my practice. I specialise within anxiety, mood disorders, and spiritual growth. My areas of work include depression, stress, bereavement and grief, anxiety, panic, phobias, self-esteem, self-worth, confidence, body image, eating disorders, suicidality and self-harming behaviours, family and relationship issues, trauma, and abuse (not an exhaustive list). The unique nature of therapy means that it can be time-limited or may be open-ended, it may be goal orientated or more flexibly experienced, we will work together to decide.
01727 260434 View 01727 260434
Dr Ryan A. Card
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
I am a counselling psychologist working integratively using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), and Mindfulness.
My experience includes working with addictions, anger, anxiety, appearance issues, bereavement, bipolar, depression, other mood disorders, obsessions and compulsions, personality issues, self-harm, stress and trauma.
I am a counselling psychologist working integratively using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), and Mindfulness.
My experience includes working with addictions, anger, anxiety, appearance issues, bereavement, bipolar, depression, other mood disorders, obsessions and compulsions, personality issues, self-harm, stress and trauma.
01923 961609 View 01923 961609

See more therapy options for St Albans

Mindfulness-Based (MBCT) Counsellors
How does mindfulness-based cognitive therapy work?
Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy originated in the work of John Kabat-Zinn of the University of Massachusetts Medical School. He developed mindfulness-based stress reduction, which is a technique found in yoga and meditation. MBCT is a combination of this type of stress reduction and cognitive behavioral therapy; it essentially quiets emotional distress through mindfulness, utilizing proper breathing and meditation. These techniques aim to bring the individual into the present moment when in a state of distress.

When do I know if I need treatment with mindfulness-based cognitive therapy?
If an individual’s mind is filled with emotional distress and general negativity, the person may feel trapped. A mindfulness-based cognitive therapist can help a person change their thinking patterns as well as their behaviour through calm acceptance and compassion. This therapy can provide an individual with the coping skills needed for a healthier and more constructive life.

What should I expect from mindfulness-based cognitive therapy?
This therapy often takes place in group sessions. A therapist will work with the group as well as with each individual. Meditation and breathing exercises are core practices that aim to invite inquiry and discovery into a person’s troubled mental state. The objective is to identify and lessen negative thoughts and behaviours and move toward optimal health and productivity. The individual will see life in a more realistic way. This therapy is supportive, accepting, and warm.

Is mindfulness-based cognitive therapy effective?
Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy is evidence-based and effective. One study found that people with major depressive disorder have benefitted from this type of therapy; the person accepts their distressed thoughts and also moves into healthier patterns of thinking. This therapy also aims to move an individual away from automatic negative responses. This type of therapy can bring a person lifelong change, with higher levels of satisfaction, less stress, as well as positive emotional and behavioural habits.