Hi, I am Mannu and I am a BABCP accredited Cognitive Behavioural Therapist offering confidential online and telephone CBT in English and Finnish.

I have worked across a range of NHS and private sector mental health services for 20 years, either as a therapist or as a supervisor since qualifying as an Occupational Therapist in 2002. I have worked as a qualified Cognitive Behavioural Therapist for the last 15 years. 

My approach:

My aim is to help you to achieve your goals and to provide you with psychological skills to maintain your wellbeing. You are the expert in your life. My role is to assist you to make the changes you need to move towards the life you want to lead. I work with integrity and offer a safe space for you to discover new ideas and to practice new strategies within a supportive therapeutic relationship.

I am passionate about helping people connect their heads (thoughts) with their hearts (feelings). Have you ever felt that you know something (cognitively) but are yet to feel it emotionally, or vice versa, are feeling too overwhelmed, anxious or numb to make sense of your thoughts? You know that something needs changing but are unsure of how or where to start? I can help you to build a bridge so that the head and the heart can work in unison. 

The flexible treatment approach I provide is informed by my extensive clinical experience and professional training. As a qualified Occupational Therapist, I understand the integral link between physical health and emotional wellbeing. I incorporate third-wave therapies such as Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) principles in my work according to your needs and preferences.

“The accessibility and convenience of therapy via Skype was perfect for me, and honestly, the only way I could receive the benefits of therapy due to my location. CBT helped me learn specific coping mechanisms and self-talk strategies to address my anxiety and depression. Mannu is extremely easy to talk to, showing empathy and humor where appropriate, while maintaining a professional relationship. We ended nearly every session with a sense of relief, support, and plan of action for how to manage my feelings.” – EB

Experience:

Working in hospitals, community and primary care services, coupled with the specialist post-graduate training in CBT has equipped me with the ability to customise therapy to suit each individual’s needs.

I have an abundance of experience in helping adults to manage a range of difficulties including depression, anxiety, worry /  generalised anxiety (GAD), panic attacks, agoraphobia, social anxiety, health anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD),  phobias, anger, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), psychosis, low self-esteem and confidence, work-based stress, body-image issues, pain, and living with long-term health conditions. 

I work with clients aged 16 and over, using evidence-based CBT to help them overcome a vast range of psychological difficulties. I am highly experienced at delivering CBT remotely, as I established and provided an Online / Telephone CBT service within NHS primary care service for a decade, before moving to private practice. 

Qualifications: 

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (PGDip)

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Psychosis (PGCert) 

Occupational Therapy BSc (Hons) 

Sports Science BSc (Hons) 

Accreditations: 

I am an accredited Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist with the British Association for Behavioural & Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP) and I am a registered Occupational Therapist with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). You will find me: Mannu Puolimatka, listed on the BABCP website under “Find a Therapist.”

I undertake regular clinical supervision, engage in ongoing professional development and training, and adhere to BABCP and HCPC Code of Ethics and Conduct. This keeps me up to date with evidence-based interventions enabling me to continue to deliver high-quality therapy to my clients. 

I am fully insured and have an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) certificate.