The story in your head isn’t the full story
Therapy to help you notice it, hold it gently, and move in the direction of something more meaningful (and more you).
Most of us have a running commentary in our heads — and let’s be honest, it’s not always kind, helpful, or even remotely true.
We tell ourselves stories about who we are, what we’re capable of, and why we’re probably not doing life “right.”
At Self Stories, we’re here to help you press pause on all that noise. We won’t ask you to think positive or rewrite your past — we’re more into helping you notice the scripts you’ve been handed (or picked up along the way), hold them a bit more lightly, and choose what actually matters to you.
And no, you don’t have to start journaling unless you really want to.
How we work
Our approach is rooted in compassion, collaboration and curiosity. No quick fixes. No tick-box tools.
We’re not here to diagnose and disappear, or throw one-size-fits-all tools at you. We’re here to understand what matters to you, what’s getting in the way, and how we can work together to create meaningful change.
We work from a CBT base, with a strong lean into third-wave approaches like ACT, CFT and mindfulness. That means flexible, values-led therapy that focuses on you—not just your symptoms.
We believe therapy should feel like a real conversation—not a performance. A place where you can be honest. A space to make sense of things, slowly and safely.
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No human thrives in isolation. We’re wired to connect, to share, to unburden. It’s about normalising the human experience and recognising that we’re all in this together. goes here
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Therapy isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s not about rigid protocols or tick-box approaches validated by narrow frameworks. We embrace a process-based, dynamic way of working, drawing on third-wave CBT approaches like CBT. This allows us to focus on the shared human processes that keep us stuck—regardless of who you are or where you come from. The aim? To help everyone thrive.
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We see you. The courage it’s taken to get here hasn’t gone unnoticed. Maybe you’ve started, stopped, thought about it, hesitated, and then finally stepped through the door. Well done. That first move is huge. Our therapists honour that bravery and meet you exactly where you are.
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Therapy only works when it feels safe. That’s why our therapists tune into what you need—attentive to the energy both you and they bring into the space. It’s about creating an environment that’s free of judgment, free of bias, and focused solely on what helps you feel seen and heard.
Services
We’re a group of experienced therapists who believe therapy isn’t about “fixing” you—it’s about making space to understand, grow and move forward in ways that feel meaningful.
We specialise in CBT and third-wave approaches like ACT, CFT and mindfulness-based therapy—evidence-based ways of working that don’t just manage symptoms but help you live with more presence, purpose and psychological flexibility.
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We offer both face-to-face and online sessions—whatever feels most accessible and comfortable for you.
Sessions are typically 50 minutes long. It’s a space to slow down, notice what’s feeling heavy, and begin to move towards more clarity, resilience, and ease.
If you’re curious about starting therapy, we offer a free 15-minute phone call. It’s a chance to ask questions, share a little of your story, and get a feel for whether we’re the right fit for each other.
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For trainee and qualified therapists, we offer thoughtful, reflective supervision grounded in third-wave CBT. We hold space for complexity, uncertainty and growth.
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Bespoke sessions for teams and organisations looking to build psychologically-informed cultures and support mental wellbeing.
Every therapist we work with goes through a rigorous vetting process.
It’s not just about ticking the boxes of professional registration and qualifications (though we do that too). It’s about ensuring they embody our ethos, they don’t just show up; they show up with purpose, focusing on what truly helps you move forward, not just to live but allow you to thrive.
Types of Therapy
Therapy should meet you where you’re at—not box you in.
At Self Stories, we’re not here to tell you to just “think positive” or rewire your brain like a machine. Life’s more complex than that. Here’s a little on the kinds of therapy we offer:
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When life gets heavy, our minds can feel like they’re running the show. Thoughts race. Worries loop. Motivation dips. It’s exhausting.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) helps you understand what’s happening in your mind and body, and gives you practical tools to change the patterns that keep you stuck. It’s not about “thinking positively.” It’s about learning how your thoughts, feelings and habits interact, and developing ways to respond that actually help.
We work together to:
Notice the thoughts that pull you into anxiety, self-criticism or avoidance
Understand the emotional and physical responses that show up for you
Try small, realistic changes that make life feel more doable
Build confidence in handling difficult moments when they come
CBT is structured, evidence-based, and collaborative. You’re not being talked at. You’re learning skills that you carry with you long after therapy ends.
If you’re dealing with:
Anxiety or worry that doesn’t switch off
Low mood or loss of motivation
Overthinking and mental “loops”
Feeling stuck in the same patterns, even when you want to change
CBT can help you find a clearer way forward.
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Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps you get unstuck from the thoughts and feelings that keep pulling you off track. Instead of fighting your mind all day (which is exhausting), ACT teaches a different approach: noticing what shows up inside you, and choosing actions that reflect your values and the kind of life you want to build.
We explore:
The “inner struggle” between what you feel and what you want
The rules and expectations your mind has been carrying for years
What actually matters to you beneath the noise
How to move towards meaning, even when life feels difficult
ACT is especially helpful if your mind is busy, clever, and relentless.
(If you’ve tried to out-think your feelings for years…this will make sense fast)
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Some people don’t struggle with discipline, toughness or “pushing through.” They struggle with how they speak to themselves. The internal voice that says “not good enough,” “should do better,” or “why can’t you just get on with it?”
CFT helps you understand where that harsh inner voice came from (usually for reasons that once made sense) and learn how to relate to yourself with more support, steadiness and care. Not soft. Not sentimental. Just human.
We help you develop:
A calmer nervous system
A more balanced inner voice
Confidence that doesn’t depend on perfection or performance
For people living with shame, self-criticism or chronic high standards, this can be life-changing.
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Sometimes the problem isn’t just the thoughts themselves. It’s the relationship you have with them. The way they show up, pull your attention, hijack your mood and repeat the same themes over and over: what if, should have, not enough.
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) helps you notice your mind with more distance and steadiness. Instead of getting swept up in thoughts, you build the ability to observe them, pause and choose how to respond.
MBCT is especially helpful if:
Your thoughts feel loud, busy or repetitive
Moods shift quickly and are hard to regulate
Stress and anxiety show up fast and hit hard
You find yourself lost in the future or the past
You try to “think your way out” of feelings
You’ve had depression before and want to prevent relapse
It’s not about clearing the mind or being calm all the time. Nobody lives that life. It’s about learning how to relate to your thoughts and emotions in a way that feels less consuming.
Not sure about which therapy approach is right for you? We’ll work with you to figure out what’s most helpful—not what ticks the most boxes.
Ready to take the first step?
Starting therapy can feel like a big move. If you’re unsure, have questions, or just want to see if we’re a good fit, that’s completely OK.
You can book a free 15-minute call with one of our therapists to talk things through, no pressure or fill out the form below for anything else.