Therapy

Evidence-Based Psychological Therapy

Many come to therapy stuck in hard to shift patterns — overly self‑critical, having low self‑esteem, or stuck in habitual ways of thinking. You may be dealing with relationship problems, shame, depression, anxiety, stress, or the impact of trauma or loss.

Difficult experiences can leave us overwhelmed, disconnected, or unsure how to make sense of thoughts and emotions. Shame, anxiety, anger or low mood can appear alongside other psychological or physical symptoms.

If any of this resonates, I can help using evidence‑based therapies — including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Compassion Focused Therapy tailored to your needs, Below is an example of how I might use each therapy approach with a particular issue though the approaches I use will be tailored to suit your needs.

CFT for Shame

I specialise in working with men who experience strong feelings of shame, including military personnel.

Shame can be powerful and painful, affecting our thoughts, feelings and behaviour.

It can make us want to withdraw, shut down, or remain silent, often at times when we most need support.

From a Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) perspective, these responses are not signs of weakness or failure. They are understood as protective responses developed by the mind and body in response to perceived threat or danger.

CFT can be helpful if you understand your difficulties intellectually, but find it hard to change how you feel, or if offering yourself kindness feels unfamiliar or uncomfortable.

I work with clients to develop deeper understanding of their minds, make sense of these patterns, and learn practical, emotional skills to respond differently.

By developing self-compassion, we build greater inner strength, emotional resilience, and a more supportive relationship with ourselves.

CBT for Depression

Depression can change how we think, feel, and function. It can affect sleep, appetite and focus. Energy, confidence and sense of self can slip away.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is recommended for depression. I can help lift your mood, build emotional resilience and confidence in managing tricky thoughts and feelings.

We collaboratively explore your thoughts, feelings and responses, identify recurring patterns and build positive, manageable changes via skills training.

Clients value CBT because it offers clarity, practical support and direction, when life feels overwhelming.

ACT for Anxiety

Anxiety can pull us into a state of constant alert. Worry, unease or restlessness make daily tasks feel hard. Your mind scans for danger, your body tightens, sleep and concentration are disrupted.

I can help you with Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help you step out of the tug‑of‑war with anxious thoughts and reconnect with what matters most.

ACT helps you create more 'breathing room' inside your experience. Skills training helps you feel settled, grounded and able to act in line with your values — even when anxiety is present — so life becomes less about fighting fear and more about moving toward what genuinely matters to you.

  • Book a no‑obligation, one‑off initial consultation to give you a sense of what therapy with me may be like.

  • The conversation moves at your pace: you’re welcome to ask questions, outline what you’d like support with, and talk through what feels most important right now.

  • Some people choose to continue into therapy afterwards; others simply value having a focused, supportive space to think things through.

Venues:

  • Nuffield, Plymouth

  • Kilworthy Park, Tavistock

  • Zoom Video Call

Dr. Sophie Mayhew, Bsc (Hons), DClinPsy, CPsychol, AFBPsS

Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society. Registration number 125670

HCPC Registered Practitioner Psychologist. Registration number PYL17869