Welcome to the Edinburgh Therapy Service, a psychotherapy and counselling practice established in Edinburgh (United Kingdom). I am Cristina, a fully qualified cognitive-behavioural therapist (CBT) based in Edinburgh, as well as an online practitioner reaching English and Spanish speakers anywhere in the world. My vision in establishing this therapy centre was to bring my knowledge, passion, empathy, and compassion to those navigating life's challenges.

Drawing from a foundation of cognitive-behavioural therapist (CBT) , acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) , compassion-focused therapy (CFT), and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT), I provide a holistic approach to adults and young people over 16 years old.

CBT is an extensively researched and effective method that guides us in identifying, challenging and reshaping unhelpful thought patterns.

Meanwhile, ACT fosters the possibility of a rich, values-driven life even amid psychological distress. It enables individuals to give up the battle against unpleasant thoughts and emotions, embracing acceptance and psychological flexibility. This process involves redirecting the energy and vitality once spent on avoiding these thoughts and feelings, channelling them towards a purposeful and enriched life.

With CFT , we cultivate self-compassion to replace self-criticism with warmth and understanding.

Mindfulness techniques enrich our practice, grounding you in the present moment and helping you to observe each unfolding event with openness and non-judgment.

I tailor each approach to suit every individual and their unique challenges. For instance, when addressing eating disorders, I employ CBT-E (cognitive-behavioural therapy enhanced), a specialized adaptation of CBT designed for such cases. Likewise, for OCD, my focus shifts towards CBT integrated with ERP (exposure response prevention), an integral component recommended for effectively addressing this specific disorder.

My approach integrates the latest insights from psychology, neuroscience, and medicine with the wisdom of Eastern philosophies like Buddhism and Taoism. In tandem, I employ coaching tools and growth mindset principles , to empower clients when they require. This fusion of science and spirituality equips you with evidence-based tools, as you delve into a profound connection and harmony with the world and its inhabitants.

Moreover, the third-wave cognnitive behavioural therapies (ACT, CFT, MCBT) are intricately intertwined with principles taught in Buddismh and other Eastern philosophies. I am deeply passionate about concepts such as acceptance, mindfulness, compassion, and fostering human connections and my aim is to bring that passion to the therapy sessions.

My specialization lies in obsessive-compulsive disorder (including body dysmorphic disorder). I also specialise in . In addition to these challenges, often other issues emerge in tandem. Consequently, I also work with low self-esteem and self-criticism, perfectionism, stress, insomnia, depression, impostor syndrome, life changes, loss and grief, burnout and workplace issues, and self-harm. .

I've developed my skills through a diploma in CBT therapy, a psychology master's degree from Northumbria University, and a COSCA certificate in counselling skills . I have completed the STORM® suicide prevention and self-harm mitigation training, along with the ASIST suicide prevention program. Moreover, I have pursued supplementary training in the realms of autism and eating disorders, as well as in motivational interviewing.

My background is derived from a diverse range of organizational roles, predominantly centred on anxiety disorders, OCD, and eating disorders.

I've worked as a psychotherapist for the organizations Saheliya and Stop It Now. Furthermore, I've been an integral member of NHS multidisciplinary teams at the Cullen Centre and CAMHS (Edinburgh) eating disorders team . During my time there, I worked with individuals with eating disorders.

Previously, I gained valuable experience at Ipswich Psychiatric Hospital , where I assisted individuals dealing with a range of conditions including OCD, depression, post-partum psychosis, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and personality disorders. Additionally, I dedicated my time as a volunteer at OCD Action , a charity supporting those affected by OCD and body dysmorphia (BDD), along with their families. I also offered emotional support to patients at University College Hospital in London.

English and Spanish speakers alike find a compassionate ally in me. Hailing from Spain and residing in the UK for seven years, I bring an enriched perspective that respects diverse cultures and ways of thinking.

Finally, I'm a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and follow their ethical guidelines.