About me

Dr Christine Bonsmann, Accredited CBT Therapist & Accredited Counsellor in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire and online

I am a fully qualified, accredited and experienced Counsellor (BACP and NCPS) with 19 years experience .  I have completed full specialist training in cognitive behavioural therapy and am a fully qualified, accredited and experienced Cognitive Behavioural Therapist (BABCP).  For more information, please read my article different approaches to psychological therapy. I have also undertaken specialist certified training in couples counselling.  

In addition, I have an MBA.  Prior to training as a therapist, I worked as a Financial Controller in the City. I worked long hours trying to meet deadlines, managed a diverse department and dealt with the stresses of corporate life.   This background enables me to offer a practical, results-focused approach to therapy.

I will work with you to create an individual therapy experience which suits you. I will draw on my training and experience to find a way of working which fits with your preferences, values and goals. 

Professional experience

I have worked in various clinical settings in the NHS, including GP surgeries, and in various agencies in the voluntary sector, for example in addiction and eating disorder clinics as well as in university and mental health settings.   In addition, I have helped to set up new counselling services within the NHS.

I am experienced in working with a range of presenting problems including work and university stress, anxiety presentations (including general anxiety, OCD, panic, health anxiety and social anxiety), depression, perfectionism, low self-esteem and bereavement. I work with adults over 18 years old and couples.

I am experienced in coaching and mentoring professionals to develop their potential.  I am also very experienced in helping university students to navigate the complexities of being a student.  

Several clients have reported positive outcomes, including: completing university studies, being promoted, securing a new role or feeling happier in their current role, as a result of therapy.

Qualifications

• Doctorate in Counselling and Psychotherapy from the University of Chester.  This is not a medical doctorate.
• MSc in Counselling Psychology (Distinction)
• Master of Professional Practice (Health and Social Care) (Distinction)
• MBA
• PG Diploma in Counselling Psychology
• PG Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (Distinction)
• Advanced Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Skills and Studies
• PG Certificate in Advanced Practice Interventions for Mental Health (CBT Interventions)
• Certificate in Counselling
• Certificate in Supervision
• Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing (EMDR) Part 1
• Post Diploma Certificate in Person Centred Couples Counselling
• Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD
• Psychodynamic Interpersonal Therapy Training
• Transactional Analysis 101 Training
• Life Coaching Diploma (Distinction)

My research

I have successfully completed a Doctorate in Counselling and Psychotherapy in order to further inform my practice as a therapist. You can read about my therapy research here.  This has helped me to keep up to date with the latest research in counselling and psychotherapy.

My research interests are concerned with how clients experience therapy and I believe this is critical for the development of the therapy profession. I have presented my research at a number of conferences, including international therapy conferences,  I have presented at BACP Annual Research Conferences in London and Chester as well as The Research Institute for Health and Social Change Annual Conference, Manchester. I am interested in making a contribution to my profession through my writing and have had my research published in peer-reviewed journals.  

Professional memberships

• Accredited member of the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP). 
• Accredited member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and adhere to the BACP Ethical Framework for Good Practice in Counselling and Psychotherapy. 
• Founding member of the BACP Coaching Division. 
• Senior accredited member of the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS). 
• Professional Member of the Association for Counselling and Therapy Online (ACTO).   

Professional achievements

• Presentation of research, BACP Annual Research Conference, Chester
• Presentation of research, University of Chester
• Presentation of research, Research Institute for Health & Social Change, Manchester
• Presentation of research, BACP Annual Research Conference, London
• Presentation of Symposium, BACP Annual Research Conference, London
• Presentation of research, Postgraduate Conference, University of Salford
• Presentation of research, University of Keele
• Original Research published in Journal of Critical Psychology, Counselling and Psychotherapy, 2018
• Original Research published in Journal of Critical Psychology, Counselling and Psychotherapy, 2017
• Original research published in Counselling Psychology Review, December 2010
• Co-authored research paper published in Counselling & Psychotherapy Research, June 2010

Next steps

Please get in touch if you want to make some positive changes in your life.

Email: info@yourtherapyspace.co.uk

Telephone: 07950064086