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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Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a practical, evidence-based approach that helps people understand the links between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. It’s based on the idea that how we think about a situation affects how we feel and what we do — and by identifying and changing unhelpful thinking patterns, we can break cycles that keep us stuck.
CBT is goal-focused and collaborative, helping you develop tools to manage anxiety, depression, stress, and more. It’s not about ignoring problems, but learning how to face them with greater clarity and control.
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Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps you stop fighting difficult thoughts and feelings — and start living a life guided by what matters most to you.
Rather than trying to “fix” or get rid of uncomfortable experiences, ACT supports you to make space for them, while taking meaningful action aligned with your values. Through mindfulness, acceptance, and committed steps forward, ACT builds psychological flexibility — the ability to stay present, open, and engaged, even when life is tough.
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Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) is designed to help people who struggle with harsh self-criticism, shame, or feeling “not good enough.”
Rooted in evolutionary psychology, CFT helps you understand how your brain has been shaped to respond to threat — and how cultivating compassion (for yourself and others) can soothe the inner critic and support emotional healing. It draws on mindfulness, imagery, and compassionate thinking to build a kinder, more balanced relationship with yourself.
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Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy blends the science of CBT with the wisdom of mindfulness. Originally developed to prevent relapse in depression, MBCT helps you become more aware of your thoughts and feelings — without getting caught up in them.
By learning to notice the present moment with openness and curiosity, MBCT supports you to step out of autopilot and respond to life’s challenges with greater calm, clarity, and self-compassion.
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.
