BABCP Accredited CBT Specialist and Senior Lecturer
You look like you've got it together. Inside, it's a different story
Most people who come to me are functioning well on the outside. They're managing, just about. But underneath, their mind doesn't switch off, and they're exhausted.
Whether you have a name for what's wrong or not, you're in the right place.
Does this Sound Familiar?
You're capable. You're reliable. You're the one people come to when things need doing.
From the outside, everything looks fine - maybe even impressive.
But underneath your mind doesn't switch off. You replay conversations. You prepare for worst case scenarios that rarely happen. You feel the low hum of dread before things that you're objectively good at.
You've probably told yourself: I should be able to handle this. Other people have it worse. I don't have time to fall apart.
My clients often have these thoughts, and that’s why they wait longer than needed to get support.
Who I work with
You don't have to know what's wrong
People come to me at different stages, some with a long-standing diagnosis, some who have never spoken to anyone before. What they tend to have in common is that they're tired of the gap between how they appear and how they actually feel.
Why CBT?
Evidence based therapy, tailored to you
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is the most extensively researched psychological therapy for anxiety problems, OCD, depression and PTSD. It's recommended by national guidelines as a first-line treatment for most of the problems I work with.
A practical approach, not an open-ended one
It works by helping you understand the thoughts and behaviours driving your difficulties and giving you practical tools to improve how you feel. It's structured, time-limited, and the goal is to make itself unnecessary.
Who you'd be working with
BABCP Accredited Cognitive Behavioural Therapist
I'm Lauren Coombs, a BABCP-accredited expert in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy based in Wilmslow, Cheshire. I’m also a Senior Lecturer in Psychology at the University of Chester where I teach and supervise future therapists.
I work with adults managing anxiety and depression, many of whom have been quietly struggling for a long time before they reach out. I won't offer vague reassurance or ask you to simply think more positively. My approach is practical, structured, and paced around your life - because I work with a lot of people who can't put everything else on hold.
I offer face-to-face sessions in Wilmslow and online sessions for clients across the UK. Sessions are available…tbc… including early mornings and evenings.
→ More about me and my approach
What I specialise in
I offer expert CBT for a range of recognised problems. Many of my clients arrive with a diagnosis. Many don't, and that's fine too. What matters is your experience, not the label.
OCD
Not just checking and cleaning. OCD is driven by intrusive thoughts and the exhausting rituals that temporarily quiet them.
Panic Attacks
A sudden rush of physical symptoms and overwhelming fear that something awful will happen to you. Panic attacks are terrifying and often happen completely out of the blue.
Health Anxiety
A preoccupation with illness that isn't settled by reassurance from doctors, Google or the people around you. Checking brings brief relief, then the cycle begins again.
Social Anxiety
A fear of doing or saying something embarrassing and being judged by others. Left unaddressed, social anxiety can shrink your world.
PTSD
A condition that develops after experiencing or witnessing something deeply distressing. Memories of the event or the way it made you feel keep coming back to you.
Phobias
Fears of specific things like heights, animals, blood and needles. Phobias cause significant distress and change how you live.
FAQs
Testimonials
Depression
“Lauren was friendly and understanding. She really listened to me, then helped me identify and solve my problems.”
"Lauren gave me the tools, support and time to take control of my life and mental health after I spiralled into depression.
I honestly didn’t think anyone could fix my mind, after my years of suffering from anxiety and depression and many visits to various therapists, but Lauren has. I’m so glad I braved that first visit to her! Talking to her wasn’t as terrifying, or embarrassing, as I thought it would be…
I didn’t think therapy would work for me – it has. Thank you. "
Worry
“I am incredibly grateful for the CBT therapy I received from Lauren Coombs. I was struggling with overwhelming stress and anxiety, and I felt like I was constantly worrying.
Lauren created a safe and supportive environment where I felt comfortable discussing my concerns. Through her guidance, I learned valuable coping mechanisms and techniques to manage my stress levels. I now feel more equipped to handle challenging situations and have a greater sense of control over my emotions.
Lauren is a compassionate and knowledgeable therapist who truly cares about her clients' well-being. I highly recommend her to anyone seeking effective and supportive treatment"
Panic
“My life has changed so much thanks to your help and support.”
“Just a note to say thank you very much! My life has changed so much thanks to your help and support. I hadn’t realised how much ‘panic’ had affected my life until now- when it has gone. I couldn’t have done it without you.”
OCD
“I’m now able to take control of the OCD”
“It’s been a tough journey for me but with the help you have given me I’m now able to take control of the ocd and realise it was all just OCD so thankyou for that and helping me get better “.