1. About Therapy

Nobody chose their problems from a shop shelf.
You are not faulty or broken.
Emotional struggles usually develop for understandable reasons, even when those reasons are not immediately clear. Therapy helps people understand patterns, make sense of emotional experiences, and develop new ways forward.

On CBT
Emotions are like dashboard lights. They tell us when something important needs attention. In Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) we use those signals to help recognise when it may be time to respond in new ways. We work that out together.

CBT is a practical, collaborative approach that helps people, with support, move towards their goals and develop new ways of coping. CBT helps people sort the helpful from the unhelpful, and make changes in the way they think and respond, to improve wellbeing.

On EMDR
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a clinical treatment effective in repairing emotional injury from traumatic experiences. Events like accidents, assault, war trauma, torture, natural or man-made disasters, sexual abuse and childhood neglect.

I often find EMDR to be a quicker and gentler way for people to process traumatic experiences than CBT alone.

Curious about fees or how sessions work?
See Fees & Payments .




2. About Tony Pleasance

RMN, MSc, BABCP-Accredited CBT Therapist No. 7470, EMDR Therapist, ICO Registered, Enhanced DBS.


Who I Work With
I work with adults who may be:
  • Feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or emotionally exhausted
  • Caught in cycles of anxiety, overthinking, conflict, or disconnection
  • Living with the effects of trauma, low mood, stress, burnout, or relationship difficulties
  • Wanting a clearer understanding of patterns and new ways forward
My Approach
As a Psychiatric Nurse and CBT therapist, I’ve spent 35+ years in mental health. My approach is down-to-earth, collaborative and goal-focused. Following a free initial conversation, we agree clear goals to work towards, then use evidence-based CBT and EMDR approaches to support meaningful change. Where appropriate, relationship-focussed therapy may begin with individual meetings before meeting together.

Areas I Commonly Support
Therapy may focus on areas such as:
  • worry/rumination
  • anxiety
  • depression
  • burnout/perfectionism
  • relationship difficulties
  • trauma/PTSD (accidents, assaults, aversive experiences)

A Bit About Me
A former English gold medallist in Tae Kwon Do, 2nd-Dan black belt, and now an ultrarunner, I value resilience, persistence, and meaningful change over quick fixes.

Alongside supporting people experiencing anxiety, trauma, burnout, and relationship difficulties, I also enjoy working with students, neurodivergent people, athletes, and people from all backgrounds and walks of life.


Wondering what therapy feels like in practice? See Testimonials.

Why not arrange a free informal chat before deciding whether we’d be a good fit?

3. Example Goals
Early in therapy, I help folk clarify what they'd most like to be different, once we are done, because -
  • Goals help ensure our meetings are worthwhile.
  • They give our work direction.
Here are some examples of goals people have achieved: -
Happiness - To be able to honestly report having at least 3 moments of feeling happiness each week.

Anxiety - To be having at least two times of feeling calm each day.

Negative Over-Thinking - For overthinking to reduce from around 5 hours, to never more than 30 minutes, daily.

Self-Criticisms - Constant self-criticism has been replaced by speaking to myself kindly, like to a younger relative, at least once each day.


If any of these goals resonate, please feel free to arrange a free informal chat.

4. Testimonials
Here are my two favourite recent messages from people at treatment end, shared with their permission...

Ashia (not her real name)
"I've found it so helpful, I've spoken to so many counsellors over the years and I've found your approach so relatable, the stories, and that's helped me learn the tools and apply the tools, and learn when to use them".


George (not his real name)
"I thank you lots for your help. It’s been some of the most impactful therapy I’ve ever done. It’s been highly meaningful to speak to someone who for the first time understands how I see the world. I recall you saying how you cheered me on in a certain situation I mentioned & this was the nicest thing anybody had said to me in ages (as an example). Best of luck with your 2025, and what you have in store for it (I recall you mentioning ultra running!!) What a fantastic impact you have on people in work, and no doubt…outside of work!
Kindest Wishes,
George".


If you'd like to explore working together, you’re very welcome to arrange a free informal chat.

5. Therapy Terms & Agreement
A summary of how I work is below.

Full therapy terms can also be reviewed if we decide to work together.

Flexible Appointments
  • Weekly is the gold standard for CBT, especially at the beginning, because it helps build momentum and keeps therapy steady and predictable.
  • If you need to change the day or time of a session, that’s completely fine — just give me at least 24 hours’ notice.
Flexible Rhythm
  • If weekly is not for you, we can meet fortnightly, three-weekly, or twice a week for even quicker progress can be appropriate in some cases.
  • Toward the end of therapy, spacing sessions out can help consolidate progress and build your confidence using new skills to stay well independently.
  • We’ll choose a pace together that keeps progress moving while fitting your goals, energy, and budget.
Therapist
  • I’m Tony Pleasance, RMN, MSc, BABCP accredited CBT and EMDR therapist.
Sessions and Fees
  • Sessions are online via Microsoft Teams.
  • Each session lasts around 50 minutes.
  • Individual therapy costs £100 per session, or £350 for a block of 4 sessions when paid in advance.
  • Relationship-focused therapy costs £140 per session, or £780 for a block of 6 sessions (£130 per session) when paid in advance.
  • Receipts provided as standard, invoices on request.
Emergency Support

I’m not able to provide an emergency or crisis service, so if you ever feel unsafe between sessions, please contact:

GP Registration & Local Support

Because I work independently and do not provide emergency or crisis care, it is important that you have access to appropriate local medical support while in therapy with me.

  • If you are based in the UK, you must be registered with a UK GP during our work together.
  • If you are living abroad, you will need to provide details of a local primary care doctor (or equivalent) and confirm what emergency or crisis services are available in your area.
  • I may request GP or local healthcare details, along with an emergency contact, before beginning ongoing therapy.
Online Session Environment

Because sessions are online, it’s important that you have:

  • A quiet, private space where you cannot be overheard or interrupted
  • A stable internet connection
  • A fully charged device (or one plugged in)
  • Notifications silenced
  • Headphones where possible to increase privacy
  • Therapy requires your full attention for the 50 minutes.
  • Please do not attend sessions while driving, working, or in shared public spaces.
  • If privacy cannot be guaranteed, we may need to rearrange.
  • If privacy is difficult in your current environment, please let me know and we can think together about workable options.
  • If you attend a session under the influence of alcohol or non-prescribed substances, I may pause or reschedule the session for safety and effectiveness.
Cancelling or Changing Sessions
  • If you arrive late, I’ll always do my best, but I may still need to finish on time because of other appointments.
  • Please give at least 24 hours’ notice if you need to postpone an appointment to avoid a £40 late cancellation fee.
  • Sessions are held open for up to 20 minutes. If there is no contact during this time, the session is counted as a missed session.
  • If a session is missed without prior contact, a £40 fee applies before further sessions can be booked.
  • If sessions need to be moved around too often, we’ll talk together about whether therapy might fit better at a time when things feel more settled for you.
Reviews and Ending Therapy
  • We review every four sessions to check progress is on track.
  • You are free to stop at any time.
  • If another approach may help you more, I’ll explain and signpost options.
Confidentiality
  • Everything shared is private except if someone’s life might be at risk or if required by law. If possible, I will always speak with you first.
  • For full details on data protection and GDPR, please see Privacy.
Supervision
  • I discuss aspects of my work with a professional supervisor to ensure safe, effective practice.
  • I do not share names or identifying details.
Feedback and Concerns
  • I welcome honest feedback so we can make our work together as helpful as possible.
  • If something doesn't feel right, please let me know and we’ll adjust together.
  • If we can’t resolve a concern together, you’re welcome to contact the BABCP complaints team ↗ by emailing complaints@babcp.com or calling 0330 320 0851.
Agreement

Thanks for taking the time to read these terms.
When you’re ready, please add your name below to confirm.

I've read, understand and agree to these Terms of Therapy
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Please read the terms before agreeing.


Useful Links
For full details of session fees or to make a payment, please see Payments & Fees.
For a sense of how people have found working with me, see Testimonials.
For full details of how your personal data is handled, please see Privacy.
To arrrange a free and informal initial chat with me; please click here.




6. Privacy
Your privacy matters. Here’s how your personal information is handled, stored, and protected during and after therapy.
Information Collected and How It Is Used
  • When starting therapy, I collect basic personal details for contact and identification.
  • During therapy, I may take notes including sensitive information about your wellbeing. These are used only to support your therapy.
Security of Your Data
  • All records are stored securely in line with GDPR and ICO requirements.
  • Electronic notes are password protected and encrypted.
  • Email communication uses a secure Microsoft 365 account with two factor authentication.
Sharing of Data
  • Your information is never shared unless legally required, needed to prevent serious harm or crime, or with your explicit consent.
  • Any shared information will always be transferred securely.
Confidentiality and Professional Requirements
  • I discuss aspects of my clinical work in supervision to maintain high quality practice, without identifying you.
  • Recordings for supervision happen only with your written consent and are deleted immediately after use.
  • Confidentiality may be broken if necessary to save a life, prevent serious harm or crime, or comply with legal obligations.
Your Rights
  • Request a copy of your data.
  • Request corrections or updates.
  • Request deletion where appropriate.
  • Request your data is transferred to another professional.
How Long Records Are Kept
  • Records are kept for 7 years after your final session, as required by insurers.
  • If you are under 18, records are kept until 7 years after your 18th birthday.
  • After this time all data is securely deleted.
7. For CBT Clinicans: Clinical Supervision
A calm, thoughtful space to reflect on clinical work together, not a performance test.

I've worked in mental health since 1989 across NHS, private healthcare and independent practice settings. I may particularly suit CBT clinicians who value calm, reflective and practical supervision rather than highly performative or overly academic approaches.

You're very welcome to arrange a free, no-obligation introductory call
if you'd like to get a sense of how I work.
Arrange Terms Agreement Payments Form
Arrange a free introductory call:
Send
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Terms of Supervision

Purpose: Supervision aims to enhance ethical and effective clinical practice.

Boundaries: It is planned reflective time; not an emergency or same-day service.

Fees & cancellations: 24 hours’ notice required; missed sessions charged in full.

Confidentiality: In line with BABCP & ICO standards.

Records: Notes kept securely for 7 years then deleted.

Professional responsibility: Clinical decisions remain with the supervisee.

Format: 50-minute sessions via Microsoft Teams unless agreed otherwise.

Confirm Agreement
I have read and agree to the terms of supervision
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Payments:

Standing Order is the simplest way to pay for monthly supervision.

Just email me for the bank details.

If you prefer, bank transfer (BACS) can also be used to pay for individual sessions.


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