KIM MCGUINNESS

Specialisms

I specialise in:

• behaviour therapy

• Behavioural Activation (BA)

• CBT with Exposure and Response Prevention (CBT with ERP)

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

• Counselling

• Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT)

• Motivational Interviewing

• Trauma-focused CBT

• impulse disorders.

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About me

I am a BABCP-accredited Cognitive Behavioural Therapist, an IPT UK-accredited therapist, a qualified humanistic person-centred counsellor and an NMC-registered Nurse (RMN/RGN). I have a degree in health and social care and a PGCE in post-compulsory education, teaching psychology, health and social care and interpersonal communication.

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I have been working in mental health services for over 30 years in my capacity as a registered mental health nurse and psychological therapist. I have extensive work experience in general health-care as a registered general nurse which has enabled me to fully understand the link between physical and psychological health and wellbeing.

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My training and experience as a humanistic person-centred counsellor has enabled me to be empathic, genuine and non-judgemental in my approach to helping others. My teaching practices have helped me to mentor others as well as tailoring my approach to meet the unique and individual needs of my clients.

I am a warm, approachable individual whom others appear to develop a relationship of trust with readily. I aim to make those I support feel safe and secure and inspire them to make the changes they choose to make.

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I currently work as an online CBT therapist for IESO; in my own private practice, Walnut Tree Therapies, in Colchester, Essex; and for The Bury Practice in Bury St Edmunds.

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Areas of interest

Among my many areas of interest are obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and low self-esteem. Over the past two years I have set up and run a significant number of low self-esteem therapeutic groups.

Another specialist interest is in compassion-focused therapy working with feelings of guilt and shame. My background and training in humanistic person-centred counselling has ignited my passion for working with approaches which focus primarily on regulating emotional content.

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Recently I have been part of a research project focusing on CBT for individuals suffering from long term conditions and pain.

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Having worked as a nurse in a drugs and alcohol service I am very interested in working with impulse control disorders such as alcoholism, eating disorders and drug addiction.

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Over the past year I have attended numerous accredited study days in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) in order to utilise this third-wave therapy in the treatment of all disorders.

I have a specialist interest, and expertise, in the following physical conditions:

• cardiac conditions

• eating disorders

• gastrointestinal disorders

• gynaecological disorders

• musculo-skeletal conditions

• neurological disorders

• oncology

• pain management.

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