Moya CBT

Moya CBT Cognitive Behavioural Therapy practice in Loughborough, offering psychological therapy for depressio

Dr Helen Moya
MOYA CBT
With over 30 years as a Healthcare Professional - Registered Nurse for people with learning disabilities, Chartered Psychologist and Accredited Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist - I am also a Doctor of Philosophy and Psychology graduate of Loughborough University. I was a Lecturer in Mental Health at the University of Nottingham, where I trained Nurses and CBT Therapists. During this time I held an Honorary contract with Nottinghamshire Healthcare Trust at Queens Medical Centre, treating people with complex mental health problems. I currently work predominantly in the NHS as a CBT Therapist. Moya CBT is an opportunity to combine my skills, knowledge and expertise to provide a flexible CBT service to the people of Loughborough. I am passionate and am driven by a strong desire to help people and make a difference.

Can't help myself! Birthdays bring out the little girl in me. I'm a 58 year old birthday princess!! ๐Ÿ‘‘๐Ÿฉท๐Ÿ’›โค๏ธ๐Ÿ‘‘
04/09/2025

Can't help myself! Birthdays bring out the little girl in me. I'm a 58 year old birthday princess!! ๐Ÿ‘‘๐Ÿฉท๐Ÿ’›โค๏ธ๐Ÿ‘‘

Must be thinking about the creative methods training as I just cracked this spin art box open after being unboxed in my ...
02/09/2025

Must be thinking about the creative methods training as I just cracked this spin art box open after being unboxed in my cupboard for years! I had actually forgotten about it which is a common ADHD phenomenon - out of sight, out of mind (which is why I lose so many things!!).

Any way, I have just had a really good time spinning this thing. I had thought it may be a quick activity but I had to keep spinning it hundreds of time to create this!

Definitely a case of process over output as it was a wonderfully mindful activity. Got spots of paint on my carpet which would normally distract me into a stressful state, but I have left it as a reminder!! ๐Ÿ˜„๐Ÿ˜„๐Ÿ˜„

I will definitely be getting this out in sessions. Can see lots of ways it could be used - of course as a mindful attentional focus exercise, but also as a great behavioural experiment for perfectionists!

Best bit is the spinning which I caught on camera ๐Ÿ˜† Because I like it better in motion I could also use it as a fidget spinner when dry! Have to say, I am feeling good right now โค

www.moyacbt.co.uk

CREATIVE METHODS IN CBT - 1ST OCTOBER 6-8.30PMExcited to announce the next live interactive workshop. I know I always sa...
01/09/2025

CREATIVE METHODS IN CBT - 1ST OCTOBER 6-8.30PM

Excited to announce the next live interactive workshop. I know I always say it, but this is one of my favourites! One of the reasons is that it provides a space to explore creativity in a non-threatening way.

Yes there are some methods to share, but it is more about an approach that combines the art and science of CBT. I draw on my background my previous research dating back to my Ph.D. in 1997 which explored identities in care relationships using life story work. This is directly relevant to CBT practice which is based on collaboration and guided discovery to see the uniqueness in the individual.

This is an evening session to maximise access and and relevant for therapists at all levels of practice. Previously 2 hours, I have extended it to allow more interaction.

On payment you will receive the zoom link within 24 hours. Use QR code or access here: https://pay.gocardless.com/BRT000421WGRBGT

www.moyacbt.co.uk

Happy Sunday from a carpark in Skegness! Jumped in my campervan Blaze yesterday to have some seaside time. Living in the...
31/08/2025

Happy Sunday from a carpark in Skegness! Jumped in my campervan Blaze yesterday to have some seaside time. Living in the Midlands means we are at least 2 hours or more from the coast. Love seeing the sunrise and sunset in different places ๐Ÿ’›๐Ÿฉทโค๏ธ๐Ÿฉต

www.moyacbt.co.uk

I am a Christian and member of our small local church. I have been on the rota for prayers of intercession for a number ...
24/08/2025

I am a Christian and member of our small local church. I have been on the rota for prayers of intercession for a number of years. I often have to be reminded when it is my turn but there is always someone who would step in if I forget.

I often receive comments on the gentle and thoughtful style of my prayers and I truly think that is greatly influenced by the work I do. Today's prayers combines personal and professional to speak to and through a therapist lens. There are references to mindfulness, community, compassion and even a nod to therapist schemas.

I hope the messages transcend religious or faith boundaries. I just felt compelled to share it today. Must be in a reflective mood ๐Ÿ˜Š

www.moyacbt.co.uk

* Re-posted from JanuaryI think if there is one thing I would like to be remembered for in terms of my CBT practice it w...
23/08/2025

* Re-posted from January

I think if there is one thing I would like to be remembered for in terms of my CBT practice it would be my passion for formulation. I find it the most powerful and compelling part of CBT therapy that I often describe as a gift. I do not mean that it is a gift that I (as therapist) give to the client. The gift for me is the fact that we do it in collaboration WITH the client through the process of guided discovery.

Personally, as someone with ADHD I truly believe that my brain is wired to think in a formulation type of way as I have always been good at seeing the bigger picture, and how things potentially fit together. Not in a right or wrong type of way, but more a lateral style of thinking that allows positions to be observed as opposed to facts be proven.

I use my phone to take pictures at work a lot. Mostly of the formulations jointly worked on in sessions. Then we both have a copy to refer back to in future sessions, or for the person to reflect on in their own time. I can also add to my notes which is a great visual reminder.

This is the central core of a longitudinal formulation for someone with ADHD. I would say it is a belief system I can identify with and see a lot. No personal details are presented. I normally do a timeline to capture early experiences and critical points in the person's life. Sometimes we leave the formulation like this or copy it onto paper in a more formal template, but still keep the post notes in a cluster to use as an explanatory framework at any point in therapy. The post notes are a good way to short cut to the key beliefs being activation at any given time and provides a nice visual reminder.

www.moyacbt.co.uk

If you like my guides then do check out the CBT Career Guide as there is an accompanying ONLINE RESOURCES PAGE.This prov...
20/08/2025

If you like my guides then do check out the CBT Career Guide as there is an accompanying ONLINE RESOURCES PAGE.

This provides colour versions of all diagrams presented in the book, copies of tables and additional guides and exercises relevant to specific chapter content.

The book is not just aimed at people wanting to become a CBT therapist. It covers the whole journey which makes it relevant to a very wide audience. I address development in a lot of detail and include may CBT career stories by therapists at all stages of the journey.

It is also aimed at organisations including clinical services where CBT therapists are employed and universities where courses are delivered.

Published by Pavilion Publishing and Media Ltd it is available from all book stores and Amazon. https://www.amazon.co.uk/CBT-Career-Guide-Developing-Behavioural/dp/1803883790/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=GIH5JH1P0NB3&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.ObOndhLn73SsiV7yhQuA_oLjXx6P6MrE2tZMD0rt8QbEkQrRy2cirgW7SQKnTns2T09RkOGX8bzOnMwaKf0tqBcW3113x9EGLP_xGXL6tQjYFesX_0Kp4Up-9XgAYa_sgEQXR0EnO6CklSc43ba2Imef6tgXwcyVuVrZGTFvuxkYNlrbZwSEF0FkijlqRztyAcmybq3R49Y9iMfFQPlEeBJzXPc2zDTd74vB5Ynej8g.tNf0B6xll1GlkkmYdy7i91ZPhGwlAol5M12OA8u9Nnc&dib_tag=se&keywords=cbt+career+guide&qid=1755715519&sprefix=%2Caps%2C122&sr=8-1-spons&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.95fd378e-6299-4723-b1f1-3952ffba15af&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1

I will be doing more CBT Career Guide book club sessions over the coming months. It is always about the reach rather than any monetary gains. It will never make New York Times bestseller, but I would love more people to be aware of it and see it as a robust reference book to guide CBT career development.

www.moyacbt.co.uk

Do you have go to exercises and interventions you tend to roll out for most clients? One of mine is an ACT inspired atte...
19/08/2025

Do you have go to exercises and interventions you tend to roll out for most clients? One of mine is an ACT inspired attentional focus experiential exercise. I call it the WATERING CAN exercise.

It was shown to me to try in a supervision session many years ago and I found the experience so powerful that I adapted it and have used it ever since.

Funnily enough when I did it this morning I realised that I hadn't used it for quite a long time. It is particularly helpful to recognise the emotional impact of worry and rumination.

It starts with a metaphor of a watering can to represent our attention and that there is a limit to it. Three plants need watering and these represent the past, present and future. We discuss this and estimate how much time is currently spent watering these different plants (temporal states).

The experiential bit then begins with some ACTIVE RUMINATION & WORRY. Eyes closed to reduce distraction. I only do each state for a couple of minutes or sometimes less. I do past and future separately but they can be done together.

As soon as the person opens their eyes and I get us to plot how they FELT when engaging in the active worry and rumination. This helps to recognise the emotional impact of listening to this internal chatter. Although I write some notes about what was said out loud I emphasise that we are more interested in the PROCESS rather than CONTENT here.

When emotions are still warm I ask how we can repeat the exercise but focusing more fully on the present moment. If they can't think how I suggest a mindful meditation which I guide us through. Again just for a few minutes to give the direct comparison of the emotional state it produces.

There is a worksheet/guide I produced which you can download:https://www.moyacbt.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Watering-can-exercise-8.pdf

Homework becomes an exploration of mindfulness and what it could look like for the person. I have produced my own guide and recommend a free app which has some very brief mindful meditations and suggest other activities like colouring and puzzles just to practice bringing attention back.

Moya CBT mindfulness guide:https://www.moyacbt.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Mindfulness-Guide.pdf

www.moyacbt.co.uk

I have a little aversion to 'positive affirmations'! I try to challenge it as I know so many people find the practice ve...
14/08/2025

I have a little aversion to 'positive affirmations'! I try to challenge it as I know so many people find the practice very useful. However, my reasons feel very valid. The primary issue I have is that they can serve to mask or minimise distressing thoughts or challenging situations, therefore maintaining emotional and cognitive avoidance. This also reinforces approval based rules for fear of rejection (" don't moan or else I am going irritate everyone"). So many people come to therapy using these mantras already believing they should be grateful for what they've got, or that there are people much worse off.

Now I am not averse to positive phrases or reframing as a means for engaging with the creative (less threatening) part of the brain. I just think this is much more effective and meaningful if the person derives the phrase through a process of experiential learning. For example, when I have been depressed and my thinking is over generalised and negatively biased 'It's all good' is likely to irritate me and reinforce my frustration that I don't feel good. However, in that moment I can draw my attention back to the present and take stock of the day or hour and arrive at a statement that is more realistic than either my negative thinking or the overly positive statement of gratitude. This may be "I'm actually ok (right now)" which helps me remember that moment when I look at the phrase.

Hope this all makes sense?! Do share your position ๐Ÿ˜Š

www.moyacbt.co.uk

Here is another exploration of the impact of living by a rigid rule. In this case it is an approval based rule, probably...
13/08/2025

Here is another exploration of the impact of living by a rigid rule. In this case it is an approval based rule, probably the most impactful as it relates to subjugation. This is neglecting own needs in favour of putting others first. This is more than people pleasing, it is a form of appeasing in order to feel safe around people. It is very common in the work we do. People feel extremely responsible for others emotional state and it becomes a means to regulate their own emotions. If others are happy then I will be happy (or safe).

Clearly it is an extremely difficult rule to live by so mapping it out like this can help with guided discovery and lead to behavioural experiments. For this client it is saying no when she does not want or is unable to do what is being asked of her. I posted recently with the motto she came up with 'hell, no!'

www.moyacbt.co.uk

Boomtown fair is magical! Day off from stewarding so gone into full festival mode!! ๐Ÿ˜†Happy Friday! ๐Ÿฉทโค๏ธ๐Ÿงก๐Ÿ’›๐Ÿฉต๐Ÿ’™
08/08/2025

Boomtown fair is magical! Day off from stewarding so gone into full festival mode!! ๐Ÿ˜†

Happy Friday! ๐Ÿฉทโค๏ธ๐Ÿงก๐Ÿ’›๐Ÿฉต๐Ÿ’™

OUT OF OFFICE!!Just finishing off the last notes and admin! Off to Boomtown tomorrow to steward for Oxfam. Festival read...
04/08/2025

OUT OF OFFICE!!

Just finishing off the last notes and admin! Off to Boomtown tomorrow to steward for Oxfam. Festival ready and soooooo excited!!!! โค๏ธ๐Ÿงก๐Ÿ’›๐Ÿฉท๐Ÿ’™

www.moyacbt.co.uk

Address

Unit 2 Woodgate Chambers, 70 Woodgate
Loughborough
LE112TZ

Opening Hours

Tuesday 9am - 8pm
Wednesday 9am - 8pm
Thursday 6pm - 8pm

Telephone

+447946441994

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Dr Helen Moya

With over 30 years as a Healthcare Professional - Registered Nurse for people with learning disabilities, Chartered Psychologist and Accredited Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist - I am also a Doctor of Philosophy and Psychology graduate of Loughborough University.

I was a Lecturer in Mental Health at the University of Nottingham, where I trained Nurses and CBT Therapists. During this time I held an Honorary contract with Nottinghamshire Healthcare Trust at Queens Medical Centre, treating people with complex mental health problems. I currently work predominantly in the NHS as a CBT Therapist.

Moya CBT is an opportunity to combine my skills, knowledge and expertise to provide a flexible CBT service to the people of Loughborough. I am passionate and am driven by a strong desire to help people and make a difference.