I am a fully qualified and Accredited Cognitive Behavioural Therapist, EMDR Europe Accredited Practitioner, Counsellor and Mental Health Professional with more than 30 years experience of helping people to overcome and cope better with a wide range of mental health and life problems.

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My aim is to provide a high quality, professional and transparent service that focuses on tailoring my approach to your individual needs to ensure you get the most from your therapy experience. I am committed to working in an evidenced-based and research-informed way, so you can be assured that your therapy will be based on sound therapeutic principles and approaches that have been shown to be effective.

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Background & experience

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My original training was in mental health nursing, and I have continued to maintain my professional registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), which is the professional body for nursing in the UK. During my 10 year nursing career in the NHS, I had the opportunity to work in both hospital and community-based mental health settings as a nurse and therapist with people who were experiencing acute as well as severe and enduring mental health problems, and also people who had problems related to drug and alcohol use.

As well as my experience in the NHS, I have worked for approximately 10 years in the Voluntary Mental Health Charity in Scotland where I developed and managed a new counselling service for people with a wide range of mental health problems. Along side my clinical work, I have spent the past 15 years  lecturing in a Higher Education setting on topics such as Mental Health, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and other psychological therapies.

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My professional and clinical experience have instilled in me a strong commitment to building a good working relationship with my clients, accurately assessing their problems, clarifying their goals and expectations, and working in a flexible and collaborative way to ensure each client gets the most benefit from their therapy.

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Clinical expertise and special interests

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Over the years, I have developed particular expertise in CBT for Depression, Anxiety Disorders such as Social Anxiety, Health Anxiety, Panic Disorder as well as Generalised Anxiety Disorder and Worry. I also have experience of working with people suffering from trauma, including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, related to physical and sexual assault/abuse and road traffic and industrial accidents.

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Professional & academic qualifications

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• PhD in Counselling - University of Abertay Dundee

• MSc in Counselling Studies - University of Abertay Dundee

• Postgraduate Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy (Distinction) - University of Dundee

• RMN (Registered Mental Health Nurse) - East Surrey School of Nursing & Midwifery.

 

I have also completed accredited training in Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and certificated training in Solution Focused Brief Therapy with Steve de Shazer and Insoo Kim Berg, the originators of this approach, at the NIK Institute, Bremen, Germany. I continue to attend regular Continuing Professional Development course to ensure I am up to date with the latest developments in evidence-based psychological treatments.

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Clinical supervision

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As a BABCP Accredited Cognitive Behavioual Psychotherapist, I am required to have regular clinical supervision. Consequently, I consult with an accredited CBT therapist to discuss my clinical work to ensure my practice meets the required ethical and professional competencies and ultimately to ensure the best possible outcomes for clients.

Similarly, as an EMDR Europe Accredited Practitioner I have regular supervision from and EMDR Accredited Consultant for my EMDR (trauma) practice.

As part of my clinical work, I also provide clinical supervision to other CBT and EMDR therapists.

Note: During supervision, the client's identity is kept confidential. 

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Professional memberships

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I am a member of the following professional bodies and abide by their codes of ethics for good practice and professional conduct:

1. British Association for Behavioural & Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP).

2. British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP).

3. EMDR Association UK and Ireland (EMDR)

4. Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).

I am happy to provide evidence of my qualifications and memberships, so please don’t hesitate to ask should you wish to confirm my credentials.

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Disclosure Scotland

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I am a PVG (Protection of Vulnerable Groups) scheme member in respect of regulated work with adults.

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Get in touch with Dr Armstrong

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• To arrange a free 15-minute telephone conversation to discuss your concerns

• To find out more about the services he offers

• To book an appointment