Andrea Guida – Cognitive Behavioural Therapist (CBT)

I work with children, young people and adults who may be experiencing anxiety, low mood, panic attacks, social anxiety, OCD, low self-esteem, relationship difficulties, or challenges at school, work or home. I also have experience supporting children and young people with behavioural difficulties and developmental needs where CBT is appropriate.

I particularly enjoy working with people who want to better understand themselves and the patterns that may be contributing to their difficulties. Together, we explore the connection between thoughts, feelings and behaviours, identify what may be keeping difficulties going, and develop practical strategies to help you manage challenging situations differently.

My approach is warm, collaborative and tailored to you. I recognise that everyone is different, so I adapt therapy according to your individual needs, goals, age and circumstances. When working with children and young people, I may incorporate creative and developmentally appropriate activities and, where helpful, involve parents or caregivers.

My aim is to provide a safe and non-judgemental space where you can feel comfortable talking openly about what you are experiencing. We will work together towards developing greater emotional awareness, confidence and practical coping skills that you can continue to use beyond therapy.

I can support clients experiencing difficulties including:

• Anxiety
• Depression and low mood
• Panic attacks
• Social anxiety
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Low self-esteem
• Attachment and relationship difficulties
• Difficulties at work, home or within interpersonal relationships
• Conduct and behavioural difficulties in children and young people
• School-based difficulties
• Difficulties associated with developmental conditions, where CBT is appropriate

Hello, my name is Andrea Guida. I am an Integrative Psychologist specialising in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Infant Mental Health. I work with children, young people and adults experiencing a range of emotional and psychological difficulties.

I am passionate about human development and believe that therapy should be centred around each person's individual needs, experiences and goals. My approach is warm, collaborative and creative, and I aim to provide a safe and non-judgemental space where clients can explore their feelings and difficulties at their own pace.

I support clients to develop a better understanding of the connection between their thoughts, feelings and behaviours, and how these patterns may contribute to the difficulties they are experiencing. Together, we explore practical coping strategies, problem-solving techniques and new ways of responding to challenging situations.

When working with children and young people, I adapt therapy to their age, developmental stage and individual needs. This may include creative and play-based activities alongside CBT strategies to help them express and understand their emotions, develop coping skills and build confidence in managing future challenges.

My aim is not only to help clients manage their current difficulties but also to support them in developing their own psychological resources, increasing their confidence, independence and ability to cope with challenges in the future.

My Experience

I have over seven years of experience working with children, young people, adults and families with diverse emotional and psychological needs.

My experience includes working across clinical and community settings, schools, charities and mental health services in the UK and internationally. I have worked within NHS services, CAMHS, IAPT, private practice and local charitable organisations.

This varied experience has given me the opportunity to work with people from different backgrounds and at different stages of life, and has reinforced the importance of adapting therapy to each individual rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach.

What I Offer

I provide Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for children, young people and adults.

I can support clients experiencing difficulties including:

• Anxiety
• Depression and low mood
• Panic attacks
• Social anxiety
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Low self-esteem
• Attachment and relationship difficulties
• Difficulties at work, home or within interpersonal relationships
• Conduct and behavioural difficulties in children and young people
• School-based difficulties
• Difficulties associated with developmental conditions, where CBT is appropriate

My Therapeutic Approach

My main therapeutic approach is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), while my wider training in psychology and Infant Mental Health also informs how I understand each person's difficulties and development.

CBT is an evidence-based psychological therapy that focuses on understanding the relationship between our thoughts, emotions, physical sensations and behaviours. By identifying patterns that may be maintaining emotional difficulties, we can work collaboratively to develop healthier and more helpful ways of thinking and responding.

Therapy is collaborative and goal-focused. I believe clients should be actively involved in their therapeutic process, and their individual needs, values and goals are considered and respected throughout therapy.

With children and young people, I believe it is particularly important that therapy is developmentally appropriate and engaging. Where appropriate, I use creative activities and involve parents or caregivers to support the young person's therapeutic progress.

Ultimately, my aim is to help clients develop practical skills and coping strategies while promoting self-efficacy, independence, emotional awareness and self-esteem.

Qualifications

• Postgraduate Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Children and Young People – University College London (UCL) and Anna Freud Centre, London
• Postgraduate Diploma in Infant Mental Health: Early Years Development – Tavistock Clinic / University of East London
• BSc Psychology – Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Colombia (five-year full-time degree)
• Diploma in Human Resource Practice, Level 3 (CIPD) – Hammersmith College, London

Professional Memberships

I am a member of the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP) and the British Psychological Society (BPS), and I practise in accordance with their professional and ethical standards.

I am committed to providing a respectful, confidential and supportive therapeutic environment where clients can feel heard, understood and actively involved in making meaningful changes in their lives.

My Therapeutic Approach

My main therapeutic approach is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), while my wider training in psychology and Infant Mental Health also informs how I understand each person's difficulties and development.

CBT is an evidence-based psychological therapy that focuses on understanding the relationship between our thoughts, emotions, physical sensations and behaviours. By identifying patterns that may be maintaining emotional difficulties, we can work collaboratively to develop healthier and more helpful ways of thinking and responding.

Therapy is collaborative and goal-focused. I believe clients should be actively involved in their therapeutic process, and their individual needs, values and goals are considered and respected throughout therapy.

With children and young people, I believe it is particularly important that therapy is developmentally appropriate and engaging. Where appropriate, I use creative activities and involve parents or caregivers to support the young person's therapeutic progress.

Ultimately, my aim is to help clients develop practical skills and coping strategies while promoting self-efficacy, independence, emotional awareness and self-esteem.