BSc (Hons), PgDip, O.A. Dip

Gemma Louise

Hello, and thank you for visiting my page...

Reaching out is the first step — and it’s a brave one!!

Admitting that you need support, and deciding to seek it through therapy, can feel like one of the most daunting decisions you'll ever make. But if you've made it as far as reading this, then you already have something to be proud of.

When you make that first call, I can promise you’ll be met with kindness, compassion, empathy, and a genuine understanding. You’ve already taken the hardest step — reaching out — and I’ll be here to walk with you from that point forward.

I offer a free 30-minute consultation, giving us a chance to have an informal chat about your situation. My hope is that by the end of that call, I can help replace some of your fear with a sense of relief, hope, and possibility.

I look forward to speaking with you.

Gemma

A Little About Me

I was born and raised in the Lake District, surrounded by nature and a strong sense of community. In early adulthood, I spent time exploring different cities across the UK, searching for direction and purpose. In hindsight, I now see that I was very lost during those years—untethered, unsure of who I was or what I wanted from life.

I returned to Cumbria in 2008, following the birth of my daughter and a series of personal challenges. It was during that pivotal time that I made the decision to return to education and pursue a career that truly meant something to me.

My own experience of therapy was life-changing. It dramatically improved my self-esteem, helped me treat myself with compassion and respect, and allowed me to develop healthy boundaries. Most importantly, it gave me the space to heal from childhood trauma—to let go of the past, both my own mistakes and those of others—and to imagine a future that felt hopeful and full of possibility. Therapy helped me believe that I could reach my full potential as a human being.

That transformation lit a fire in me. I wanted to be that safe, supportive presence for someone else—the kind of person who could walk alongside another through pain, confusion, or crisis, and help them find clarity, strength, and healing.

Therapy, for me, is where science meets soul. I’ve always been fascinated by human behaviour, emotions, and the forces that shape our lives. Becoming a therapist has allowed me to blend that intellectual curiosity with a deep sense of empathy and connection. It’s work that feels both profoundly personal and deeply meaningful.

Today, I live in Manchester with my family and our much-loved fur babies. I carry my past with compassion and use it to inform and energise the work I do—supporting others on their own journeys of growth, healing, and self-discovery.

When I’m not working, I’m most at home in nature. I love long walks with our two huge dogs, hiking with friends, and I’ve recently developed a passion for wild camping. When I’m not outdoors, you’ll usually find me curled up with a good book or immersed in a great TV series.

Alongside my role as Clinical Director of our organisation, I continue to practise as a Senior Psychotherapist. Staying actively engaged in client work keeps me grounded in the heart of what we do—and reminds me every day of the power of human connection, resilience, and change.

My Professional Biography

I graduated with an Honours degree in Neuropsychology from the University of Central Lancashire in 2016, following earlier studies in Human Physiology and Sociology at Furness College, Barrow-in-Furness.

I went on to complete a Postgraduate Diploma in the Advanced Practice of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) at the University of Cumbria, where I also delivered a free CBT clinic alongside my studies to gain additional practical experience. Earlier in my career, I supported individuals with acquired brain injuries, which sparked my passion for long-term emotional and psychological care.

Over the past eight years, I have developed a successful private therapy practice, working with clients of all ages experiencing a wide range of emotional, cognitive, and psychological challenges. My client base includes:

Self-funded individuals

Employee referrals through contracts with local businesses (e.g., solicitors, insurers, and care providers)

Referrals from local authorities, schools, and educational institutions

Collaborative work with charities and non-profit organisations

I also have experience providing tailored psychological support for looked-after children, including those in foster care placements and residential care settings.

I continue to invest in my professional development through extensive CPD training, including:

CBT for Social Anxiety Disorder

PTSD and Complex PTSD

Safeguarding (children and vulnerable adults)

Children & Young People’s Mental Health

Mental Health First Aid & Advocacy in the Workplace

Child Psychology & Play Therapy

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)

Family Mediation & Challenging Behaviour

Couples Therapy Foundations

Mindfulness-Based CBT (Advanced)

I also hold formal certifications in delivering support for:

Child and adolescent mental health

Suicide and self-harm prevention

Mental health first aid (including workplace settings)

Currently, I am further expanding my expertise by undertaking the following courses:

Advanced BPS-Approved Certificate in CBT for Children and Adolescents (under Dr. Andrew Beck)

BPS-Approved Diploma in Autism and Mental Health (via the National Centre for Autism & Mental Health)

ADHD in Children and Adults Training - Assessment & Diagnosis (The Spectrum Clinic)

My Clinical Approach

I specialise in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for the treatment of a wide range of mental health conditions, emotional and psychological difficulties.

Working in the private sector has allowed me to undertake extensive further training, which enables me to draw upon additional therapeutic modalities when appropriate. These include:

Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT)

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Psychodynamic Therapy

Relationship & Life Coaching

This integrative approach allows me to create individualised treatment plans based on the unique needs, goals, and preferences of each client. Therapy is available for individuals (adults and young people), couples, families and children and adolescents.

I offer in-person sessions in Manchester, and online therapy to clients across the UK and internationally.

My clinic is a safe, inclusive, and welcoming space for all individuals, regardless of gender, age, background, religion, or financial situation. If you’re unsure whether I can meet your needs, I encourage you to get in touch for an initial consultation at no charge.

Professional Standards:

I hold an enhanced DBS certificate

I am fully insured

I regularly engage in professional supervision with a senior practitioner

I undertake ongoing CPD to keep my knowledge and practice current and effective

From the moment you reach out, you can expect 100% confidentiality and a professional, compassionate service.

These are a selection of issues I can help clients with:

Panic attack/disorders
Agoraphobia
Anxiety
Depression
Post Traumatic Stress
Trauma
Health anxiety
Abuse
Anorexia Nervosa
Binge-Eating Disorder
Bullying
Relationship issues
Self harm
Sexual Issues
Stress
Work Related Stress
Worry (Generalised Anxiety Disorder)
Specific phobias
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Thrichotillomania (skin picking and hair pulling)
Anger issues
Emotional Abuse
Low Self-Confidence
Physical Abuse
Pre-nuptial Counselling
Schizophrenia
Separation and divorce
Bipolar Disorder/ Manic Depression
Compulsive Hoarding
Disability support
Chronic illness
ASD/ADHD
Behavioural Therapies
Cognitive Therapy
Humanistic Therapies
Integrative

Sessions take place in a cosy therapy room located within the building. You’ll have access to a private waiting area and nearby bathroom facilities. Complimentary refreshments are also available, as your comfort and relaxation are my top priorities during your time with me.

What is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)?

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a structured, evidence-based talking therapy that focuses on the connections between our thoughts, emotions, behaviours, and physical sensations. The central idea is that by changing one of these areas—particularly unhelpful thinking or behaviour patterns—we can positively influence the others and begin to feel better.

When we’re feeling low, anxious, or overwhelmed, it’s common to fall into patterns of thinking or responding that unintentionally keep us stuck. CBT helps us identify, understand, and change these patterns so that we can improve how we feel and function in daily life.

What to Expect in our sessions:

Here and Now Focus: CBT mainly works on your current difficulties, although your past may be explored to understand how it’s influencing your present.

Collaborative Approach: We work together as a team. CBT isn’t something done to you—it’s a process you’re actively involved in.

Goal Setting: Therapy goals are set together, based on a shared understanding of the issues you want to address.

In-Between Session Work: CBT is most effective when you practise skills outside of sessions. Tasks (sometimes called "homework") are planned together and tailored to your needs.

Lasting Change: As therapy progresses, you’ll learn practical tools and strategies that you can continue to use in everyday life, even after therapy ends.

For more information on CBT, including its benefits and limitations, you can visit the NHS England website.

Gemma has supported me though some huge life and health changes, she has helped me learn how to cope with my thoughts and feelings in a much more positive way, and I truly feel more resilient than I ever did.

Robert N Age 38