Judith Sweetman

I offer face to face sessions in Old Amersham, Buckinghamshire, during usual working hours, Monday to Thursday.  

I offer phone and online sessions Monday to Thursday during usual working hours, and with some flexibility during evenings and early mornings. 

Running therapy is based in and around Amersham area, Monday to Thursday during usual working hours, with some flexibility during evenings and early mornings.

I am a qualified and experienced counsellor and CBT therapist working with adults and young people aged 16 and over. I qualified over 10 years ago and have extensive experience working in the NHS, schools, organisations, charities, and private practise. 

My core way of working is ‘person centred’, meaning I work alongside you with respect and empathy. I know that you are the expert in yourself and your own experience. I actively bring my genuine self and my skills, knowledge and experience to support you to find your way through. The positive changes and insight you are looking for start in the safe partnership we form together and stay with you after counselling ends.

In addition to my degree in psychology and counselling training, I have a postgraduate diploma in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) which offers a structured approach; a framework for understanding how our experience, thoughts, feelings and behaviour interact and strategies and techniques for making changes.  CBT can be particularly effective for anxiety and problems such as panic attacks, phobias, procrastination, compulsions, struggling in social situations and managing stress.

I also offer a bespoke running therapy programme for adults, harnessing the power of movement in the outdoors. I am a certified running coach and also have experience of coaching in the commercial world, most recently as a head of people. 

As a person I am warm, empathic, gentle and easy to talk to. I value and welcome all people, of any race, culture, religion, sexual orientation, gender or neurodiversity and strive to be accessible to all, making any possible physical or other adjustments you might need. I believe we are all doing our best in the life and circumstances we are in; I won't judge you or anyone around you. Integrity is important to me, and I give utmost care to my duty of confidentiality and working safely and ethically. 

I offer three main services: counselling, cognitive behavioural therapy, and running therapy. 

Counselling to explore what’s going on for you, giving space to support you through transitions or changes, problems or challenges. The work goes at your pace, paying attention to anything you want to bring and might be short or longer-term, we'll talk regularly to ensure the sessions are meeting your needs. Some specific areas of interest and expertise are;

• Life transitions, particularly the anxiety, confusion and unease that can accompany them. 
• Bereavement and other loss including when life suddenly changes through redundancy, illness, accident or circumstance. 
• The challenge of finding a way and a place to grow at work without burnout. 

Structured CBT with a specific target such as learning to cope with or overcome problems like exam or work stress, social anxiety, panic attacks, perfectionism, low mood, or low self esteem. Research supports the effectiveness of CBT, particularly for anxiety, showing that it can lead to significant and lasting reductions in symptoms. It usually takes 8 – 12 weeks with regular reviews to make sure the sessions are meeting your needs. Sessions are structured with a focus on learning and trying new skills and techniques to help you make the changes you seek. 

Running therapy. Physical exercise is proven to help decrease anxiety and boost mood. I offer bespoke running therapy for adults, a personally tailored programme to lift you from low mood or anxiety with a combination of therapy and running. Talking whilst moving in the outdoors can help us open up and can bring new awareness. If you are already a runner this might be a great way to benefit. If you would like to become a runner we'll make a programme to get you started or re started on a great running habit. We might begin with walking; building a nourishing outdoor exercise habit is the focus rather than speed or athletic prowess. 

I suggest we have a phone conversation initially to explore if we might be a good fit together, chat about which way of working you are drawn to and so that you can ask me questions. There is no obligation or charge for this and I will be welcoming, warm and accepting. I am interested to help you find the right support and fully recognise that might not be me. In this case I would do my best to signpost you onto more relevant help. 

I know it can be hard to make the first contact. If you find it easier to start by email or text please make a note on the contact form to the left here or simply send me a text and let me know. 

If you are interested in running therapy we will always begin with a face to face talking session to tailor the programme to your needs.