Therapy
'I was consumed by repetitive and distressing intrusive thoughts centred around events from my childhood and potential fears of causing harm to those I love and care about. It was so debilitating that I became a shell of myself, had difficulty sleeping and could not get away from the intrusions. Everything began to change for the better when I started my recovery journey with Mark. As I am based in Ireland, we did all of my therapy sessions via Zoom. Mark taught me about the compulsions that were keeping me stuck in the OCD cycle; rumination, reassurance seeking and confessing to name a few. We worked together on identifying the underlying beliefs and obsessions and subsequent compulsions that were keeping the OCD alive. Mark did not make it easy, challenging me in support of my recovery which was exactly what I needed. He has helped me every step of the way to the point where I am now, with my nine-month-old son and I am able to thoroughly enjoy my time with him, without avoiding activities that may have previously caused me to spiral into OCD. I am still on the recovery path and I may have blips or temporary lapses but because of the tools that Mark has armed me with, I am more aware and able to recognise if I begin to engage in compulsions and I am able to quickly turn things around. If I need to have check-ins with Mark in the future, I know I am only one Zoom invitation away from another appointment. Although we live in different countries, I am so grateful for the ability to connect with an OCD specialist who has helped me to understand this mental illness and begin to find myself again.'
AC, patient.
'I had suffered with depression and chronic fatigue for years. It had totally derailed my life, ruining my health, relationships, and career. I'd tried other therapy and counselling before, but nothing had any impact. I felt trapped and directionless. I was unable to engage emotionally. Life was grey, flat, and hopeless. After a few months of working with Mark my depression was significantly reduced to be barely noticeable, and I had a better understanding of the cycles affecting my fatigue. Most importantly, Mark had equipped me with the tools and the thinking for me to self-care, helping me make sure I don't slide back into depression and negative thinking. Today, I have a loving relationship and baby boy, am back enjoying work, and feeling very positive and hopeful for the future.'
AC, patient.
'I was referred to Mark through the insurance company after a car accident. I struggled for over 2 years after the accident and after the allocated sessions with Mark my PTSD was dealt with in a nice safe environment. The difference it has made to my life can’t be put into words.'
NB, patient.
‘After an episode of extreme anxiety, a course of CBT was recommended by a friend and I approached the process with a degree of scepticism. Mark Latham at Northumberland CBT answered my enquiry promptly, and both the degree and nature of my problem were identified quickly and efficiently. Mark took me through the CBT course with patience and understanding, explaining clearly how the therapy works. Through discussion, questionnaires, exercises and some self-reflection I was not only empowered to tackle the source of my anxiety, but also provided with the means to deal with any re-occurrence. As a result, at the end of the therapy, I believe I have not only regained my emotional stability and resilience, but I am also stronger and better able to manage any subsequent anxieties. The questionnaires I completed at the start were repeated at the end, and the difference in scores was a striking affirmation of the success of the course.'
JD, patient.
Supervision
‘Mark is a competent supervisor who is highly knowledgeable and skilled. He is very organised in his approach and makes efficient use of time. Interpersonally he is warm and helpful, but he also probes for the details to make sure I am closely following the CBT model. There is a good balance of audio & video tapes for improving practical skills and conceptual/theoretical discussion so that practice is informed by theory. I work with a lot of personality disorder clients, and Mark has helped me with engagement & alliance issues. His structured approach helped me to keep coming back to clear goals of therapy, rather than stray away to peripheral issues which can sometimes happen with this client group.’
PS, supervisee.
Therapy
'I was consumed by repetitive and distressing intrusive thoughts centred around events from my childhood and potential fears of causing harm to those I love and care about. It was so debilitating that I became a shell of myself, had difficulty sleeping and could not get away from the intrusions. Everything began to change for the better when I started my recovery journey with Mark. As I am based in Ireland, we did all of my therapy sessions via Zoom. Mark taught me about the compulsions that were keeping me stuck in the OCD cycle; rumination, reassurance seeking and confessing to name a few. We worked together on identifying the underlying beliefs and obsessions and subsequent compulsions that were keeping the OCD alive. Mark did not make it easy, challenging me in support of my recovery which was exactly what I needed. He has helped me every step of the way to the point where I am now, with my nine-month-old son and I am able to thoroughly enjoy my time with him, without avoiding activities that may have previously caused me to spiral into OCD. I am still on the recovery path and I may have blips or temporary lapses but because of the tools that Mark has armed me with, I am more aware and able to recognise if I begin to engage in compulsions and I am able to quickly turn things around. If I need to have check-ins with Mark in the future, I know I am only one Zoom invitation away from another appointment. Although we live in different countries, I am so grateful for the ability to connect with an OCD specialist who has helped me to understand this mental illness and begin to find myself again.'
AC, patient.
'I had suffered with depression and chronic fatigue for years. It had totally derailed my life, ruining my health, relationships, and career. I'd tried other therapy and counselling before, but nothing had any impact. I felt trapped and directionless. I was unable to engage emotionally. Life was grey, flat, and hopeless. After a few months of working with Mark my depression was significantly reduced to be barely noticeable, and I had a better understanding of the cycles affecting my fatigue. Most importantly, Mark had equipped me with the tools and the thinking for me to self-care, helping me make sure I don't slide back into depression and negative thinking. Today, I have a loving relationship and baby boy, am back enjoying work, and feeling very positive and hopeful for the future.'
AC, patient.
'I was referred to Mark through the insurance company after a car accident. I struggled for over 2 years after the accident and after the allocated sessions with Mark my PTSD was dealt with in a nice safe environment. The difference it has made to my life can’t be put into words.'
NB, patient.
‘After an episode of extreme anxiety, a course of CBT was recommended by a friend and I approached the process with a degree of scepticism. Mark Latham at Northumberland CBT answered my enquiry promptly, and both the degree and nature of my problem were identified quickly and efficiently. Mark took me through the CBT course with patience and understanding, explaining clearly how the therapy works. Through discussion, questionnaires, exercises and some self-reflection I was not only empowered to tackle the source of my anxiety, but also provided with the means to deal with any re-occurrence. As a result, at the end of the therapy, I believe I have not only regained my emotional stability and resilience, but I am also stronger and better able to manage any subsequent anxieties. The questionnaires I completed at the start were repeated at the end, and the difference in scores was a striking affirmation of the success of the course.'
JD, patient.
Supervision
‘Mark is a competent supervisor who is highly knowledgeable and skilled. He is very organised in his approach and makes efficient use of time. Interpersonally he is warm and helpful, but he also probes for the details to make sure I am closely following the CBT model. There is a good balance of audio & video tapes for improving practical skills and conceptual/theoretical discussion so that practice is informed by theory. I work with a lot of personality disorder clients, and Mark has helped me with engagement & alliance issues. His structured approach helped me to keep coming back to clear goals of therapy, rather than stray away to peripheral issues which can sometimes happen with this client group.’
PS, supervisee.