I am Jocelyn Richards, I’m a BABCP accredited Cognitive Behavioural Therapist and Couples Psychotherapist with over 9 years experience working in mental health, within the NHS and supporting military personnel. I retired in 2013 from a successful international career in gymnastics; winning Silver in Commonwealth Games and European Championships. I went on to complete multiple degrees in sport psychology, later specialising in CBT and working in mental health. I have an abundance of experience with anxiety disorders, trauma, depression, low self-esteem and more. I offer a confidential, warm, and non-judgemental space. My approach is empathic but honest, grounded in professional training and lived experience upon retiring from sport.

 

What can I help you with?

Therapy isn't only for moments of crisis, major life events or diagnosis, it can be a space to explore patterns and understand yourself on a deeper level. We will identify unhelpful cycles, offer new perspectives and help you develop practical skills, working towards meaningful and lasting change. Below are some difficulties I work with but not exhaustive to, please contact me for a 15 minute consultation to discuss your needs and how I can help - I offer remote and face to face sessions.

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Stress and Burnout ​

We live in a culture that rarely slows down. Stress has become an almost expected part of modern life. You look capable, meet deadlines, support others, and people describe you as resilient. Yet beneath the competence, your mind rarely stops and rest becomes difficult. Burnout often creeps in quietly, not sudden but a gradual loss of energy, motivation, and joy. Managing burnout doesn’t mean eliminating stress or becoming permanently calm, therapy helps you create moments of safety for your nervous system, teaches you early warnings signs, helps you set boundaries and supports you to become self compassionate. Change is possible and therapy can give you tools to thrive without sacrificing wellbeing.

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Anxiety 

CBT is a widely used, evidence-based treatment for anxiety disorders including:

• Panic disorder

• Social phobia

• Health anxiety

• OCD

• Agoraphobia

• Phobias

• Generalised anxiety disorder 

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Experiencing anxiety can be overwhelming and exhausting, and it’s understandable to feel distressed when worries seem constant or out of control. Many people struggle with similar feelings, CBT helps individuals understand and manage their anxiety by identifying maintaining thoughts and behaviours and supporting individuals to respond to feared situations in more adaptive ways. With the right support and coping strategies, anxiety can become more manageable, and relief is possible.

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​​Depression 

Living with depression can feel heavy and isolating, especially when everyday tasks require so much effort. It’s understandable to feel drained, discouraged, or stuck when hope seems distant. You’re not alone in feeling this way, we use CBT to understand what is keeping you stuck and create meaningful change. We explore unhelpful behaviours and negative thought patterns that contribute to low mood and hopelessness. 

 

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder 

PTSD can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, symptoms can include intrusive memories or flashbacks, nightmares, avoidance of reminders of the trauma, heightened anxiety or alertness, and changes in mood or thinking. These symptoms can interfere with daily life and can be deeply distressing, but are treatable using CBT therapy. 

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Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder can develop after prolonged or repeated exposure to traumatic experiences, such as ongoing abuse or neglect. In addition to the core symptoms of PTSD, C-PTSD involves difficulties with emotional regulation, low self worth, and challenges in relationships. Over time, CBT can help people regain a sense of control, safety, and empowerment in their lives.​​​

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Couples Therapy 

Behavioural Couple Therapy is a form of psychotherapy that helps couples improve their relationship by exploring negative interaction cycles - such as criticism, withdrawal, defensiveness or a lack of positive exchanges. Therapy aims to support partners to change these cycles through improving communication patterns, navigating disagreements, improving problem-solving skills, increasing positive interactions and reducing negative patterns, as well as exploring intimacy and closeness. I also support couples navigating infidelity. 

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BCT is an evidence based approach that supports couples to improve relationship satisfaction and communication. Both couples must be willing to participate in sessions.

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Starting therapy can feel like stepping into the unknown, knowing what to expect can help, contact me for a free 15minutes consultation.

Call: 07593987119

Email: Jocelyn@jocelynrichardstherapies.co.uk