The Path To Actual Healing When Nothing Else Works
When most therapy practices – particularly with the NHS – force you through the conveyor belt of healing… it’s no wonder you never get better. With Therapy Compass, it’s all about you right from the start. Completely tailored to you and your needs, completed at your pace (not a cookie-cutter 5-week program).
You've Probably Tried Therapy Before...
It might have even worked for a time. But chances are, the barriers that you overcame are still there. It’s your relationship with those barriers that’s currently preventing permanent improvement.
The reality is, most therapy isn’t actually built as long-term solutions. You share your problems and get an overview of them all, but it’s easy to get overwhelmed and feel uncertain where to start. Particularly when you don’t have clear guidance and support. And subconsciously, you might have noticed this. So you dropped out, typically because…
the therapy was Too Rigid
A lot of approaches to therapy, especially when using the NHS, is essentially a tick-box exercise. Have you done started journaling? Did you complete the worksheet? Have you attended all 5 sessions?
The problem is that it’s not individualised enough. There’s more emphasis on technique, rather than mapping out and understanding your specific problem from a wider perspective.
the therapy was Too Inflexible
After those pre-determined sessions, you’re told everything is better and pushed back out into the world again. And, if you’ve not recovered, feels invalidating. “It must be me. It’s my fault”.
You feel like something is wrong with you. But the truth is, the issue is systemic. Everything is backwards. Effective therapy, like ours, has a strong emphasis on the therapeutic relationship.
you Didn't feel validated or listened to
In those sessions, it’s hard to feel truly understood. How can you be heard when they’re going through the motions? You’re told your emotions aren’t right, so you feel invalidated.
But real, lasting therapy happens when we listen to your story and fully understand your individual journey – how you got to where you are now, and how you see the world and others. With Therapy Compass, you come first, technique second.
This Approach Is Different
Instead of just helping you get better, our approach to therapy goes deeper. We’ll go through your challenges with a fine-tooth comb, looking at the barriers that prevent(ed) you from recovery, then re-exploring those barriers in a non-judgemental, curious way.
We don’t rush straight into ‘fixing’ things. First, we take time to really understand your story. How you got here, how you experience the world, and what’s been keeping things going.
From there, we build a way forward that actually fits you. You’ll feel heard and understood, while also developing practical skills to create real, lasting change. It’s evidence-based therapy that’s actually flexible. Structured, but personal. And, always, at your pace.
Common Issues/Obstacles, Symptoms, & Areas Of Focus For Your Therapy
Everyone’s experience is different, but many of the people we work with come in feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure where to start. Together, we make sense of what’s going on and begin to untangle things in a way that feels manageable.
Anxiety disorders
Constant worry that’s hard to switch off. Feeling on edge, scanning for danger, or trying to prevent things from going wrong. This can include panic, social anxiety, OCD, health anxiety, and phobias that start to impact daily life.
Common anxiety disorders include (click me)
- Panic Disorder
- Agoraphobia
- Social Anxiety
- Generalised Anxiety Disorder
- Health Anxiety
- OCD
- Specific phobias (that impact daily life)
Depression
A heavy, persistent low mood. Loss of motivation, joy, and energy. You might find yourself withdrawing, being highly self-critical, or stuck in a cycle of negative thoughts, with changes in sleep, appetite, and concentration.
PTSd/Cptsd
Reliving past experiences through flashbacks or nightmares. Feeling constantly on guard, easily startled, or avoiding reminders of what happened. It can affect how you see yourself, others, and the world, and make emotions feel intense and hard to manage.
BPD/eupd
Intense emotional ups and downs that feel difficult to control. Struggles with identity, self-worth, and relationships. Reactions can feel overwhelming at times, sometimes leading to impulsive or harmful behaviours.
Does This Sound Like You?
If you constantly feel on edge or overwhelmed,
If you tell yourself things like “I should be able to handle this” or “what’s wrong with me?”,
If others have said you’re too sensitive, too reactive, or just need to “get on with it”…
Then you might be exactly the kind of person I work with.
Maybe this is your first time reaching out, and everything just feels like a bit of a blur right now.
You might even have tried therapy before, and felt like it didn’t quite fit. Maybe it felt too rigid, was too surface-level, or like no one really understood your experience.
Whatever your situation, we start by slowing things down and making sense of it all, together.
My Approach & Focus
At the heart of any work we’ll do together is you, with a focus on the therapeutic relationship. Our goal is to make you feel seen, heard, and felt from day 1. Here’s a little bit more about how that works.
Understanding Your Story
We start by getting a clear picture of what’s been going on for you. Not just symptoms, but your experiences, patterns, and how things have developed over time. This helps us make sense of things in a way that feels grounding, not overwhelming.
Building Structure & Clarity
Therapy shouldn’t feel chaotic. It should feel like a safe, contained space. I’ll help you break things down into manageable parts, so you’re not trying to tackle everything at once. We focus on one step at a time, at a pace that feels right for you.
Developing Practical Skills
Alongside helping your understanding, we build real tools you can use in your day-to-day life. This might include ways to manage thoughts, regulate emotions, or respond differently to situations that previously felt overwhelming.
Working Towards a Life That Feels Worth Living
Everything we do is guided by what matters to you. Your values, your goals, and the kind of life you want to move towards. We regularly check in to make sure therapy is helping you get there.
About Me
- How would you introduce yourself to a new client in one or two sentences (in your own natural voice)?
- What made you become a therapist in the first place?
- In simple terms, how do you approach therapy and working with clients?
- What do you think makes your way of working different from other therapists?
- What types of clients or issues do you most often work with?
- What matters most to you when someone first comes to therapy with you?
- Qualification 1
- Qualification 2
- Qualification 3
1 in 4 People will suffer from a mental health problem
That’s 25% of the population who, at some point in their lives, will face some mental obstacle. It’s completely normal and you should not be ashamed of it. Seeking out support with this is an extremely commendable thing.
My Services
Below you can find the different therapy services I offer and associated pricing.
Most therapy is through online, flexible sessions via Zoom, usually 60 minutes. Some approaches, such as trauma-focused work, may be longer. Sessions are tailored to you and your needs.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Price: £85/hour
A structured, evidence-based approach that looks at the link between your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. Together, we explore what’s keeping your difficulties going, and work on practical ways to change those patterns.
Dialectical Behavioural therapy (DBT)
External Company
Particularly helpful for emotional dysregulation, DBT focuses on skills like managing intense emotions, improving relationships, and building a more stable sense of self.
I work with an external company for DBT. Find out more here →
EMDR
Price: £85/hour
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a specialised, evidence-based therapy for processing trauma. It helps your mind naturally reprocess distressing memories so they no longer feel as overwhelming in the present.
Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT)
Price: £85/hour
An 8-week group course, 2 hours per session, designed to reduce the risk of relapse, particularly for depression. It combines mindfulness practices with cognitive therapy skills to help you respond differently to difficult thoughts and feelings.
In-Person Therapy In Carlisle
We also offer in-person therapy in the Carlisle area, through Carlisle Therapies room hire. There is an additional fee depending on usage. Please let us know if you’d like to use the room, and we’ll sort out the details.
Got Health Insurance? Then we've Good News.
If you’ve got health insurance with one of these companies (Aviva, AXA Health, Vitality, or BUPA), then it’s possible we can work together without you paying a penny.
I’ll invoice your insurance company for the cost of the sessions directly, meaning you can focus on getting the support you need.
Results People Typically Experience
The reality with therapy is, the results you’ll see are completely individualised. The success you achieve is based on your specific circumstances, challenges, and the work you do. Ultimately, however, the goal is to help you reclaim your life.
A More Balanced Way of Seeing Things
Less driven by self-criticism or fear, and more able to see situations clearly. You begin to respond to life, rather than feel controlled by it.
Completely Re-engaging With Your Life
Getting back to things you once enjoyed. Seeing friends, pursuing interests, sleeping better, and feeling more present in your day-to-day life.
A Sense of Meaning & Direction
Feeling like life is worth living again. Understanding yourself more deeply, and having the tools to handle challenges as they come.
The Proof Is In The Pudding
Hear from people just like you that I’ve helped in the past, so that you know this is real. Each is a paragraph taken from a full testimonial. You can read more from each by clicking the button below.
My childhood wasn’t great and I have had years of sexual abuse and abusive relationships. Which led to dealing with depression, PTSD, ADHD and an eating disorder. Whilst working with Ryan I felt more comfortable than I’ve ever felt to expose my past, my thoughts and my struggles. I was very good at hiding these.
I had been stuck since the passing of my Mother which had brought up a complex history of unresolved childhood abuse & trauma. I was experiencing flash backs, sleepless nights and panic attacks.
I have worked with Ryan over a number of periods, engaging in EMDR therapy at different points when I have needed support. Throughout this time, he has consistently been professional, warm, and highly skilled in his approach.
I’ve been working with Ryan during a particularly difficult period in my life following a major work-related incident. Through his support, and especially using EMDR therapy, I’ve been able to begin processing trauma and managing the symptoms of PTSD in a way I didn’t think would ever be possible.
Therapy is personal and I certainly had doubts and fears of talking about my mental health and sharing my problems. Finding Ryan changed that.
My childhood wasn’t great and I have had years of sexual abuse and abusive relationships. Which led to dealing with depression, PTSD, ADHD and an eating disorder. Whilst working with Ryan I felt more comfortable than I’ve ever felt to expose my past, my thoughts and my struggles. I was very good at hiding these.
How It Works
Starting therapy can feel like a big step, so here’s what you can expect when you’re ready to take the first step.
Step 1: Reach Out
Get in touch via the contact form, email, or phone. I’ll get back to you personally, usually the same day or next day.
Step 2: Initial Response
You’ll receive a thoughtful reply acknowledging what you’ve shared, so you feel heard and supported from the start.
Step 3: Introductory Call
We’ll arrange a free 15-minute call within a few days. This is a chance to talk things through, ask questions, and see if we’re a good fit.
Step 4: Assessment Session
If you’d like to continue, we’ll book an initial session where we begin to explore your situation in more depth.
Step 5: Ongoing Work
We’ll create a plan together and take things step by step. We regularly review progress and adjust as needed.
Step 6: Ending at Your Pace
When you feel ready, we gradually wind things down, making sure you leave with a clear plan and the tools to move forward confidently.
Let's Work Together
If you think you’re a good match and ready to start improving yourself, then all you need to do is fill out this form. Alternatively, get in touch using the details below.
Feel free to send me an email, text, WhatsApp message, or call me (and if I don’t answer, just leave a voicemail).