Ainoa Alvarez

I am a qualified High Intensity CBT Therapist offering evidence-based therapy, with over ten years of experience supporting individuals to make meaningful and lasting changes. I have extensive expertise in adapting CBT for people with ADHD and in treating a wide range of difficulties, including panic attacks, trauma and its impact, health anxiety, body dysmorphia, social anxiety, OCD, phobias, and depression.

I am also trained in CBT for smoking cessation and have experience helping people overcome addiction.

I have over 10 years of experience working as a therapist. I completed my postgraduate in High Intensity CBT training at Royal Holloway University, following earlier postgraduate qualifications in Low Intensity CBT at University College London, and a degree in psychology.

Most of my clinical work has been working for Talking Therapies services in the NHS, which has allowed me to apply CBT interventions to help people overcome a variety of mental health difficulties, including anxiety disorders, depression, and sleep difficulties. I have experience conducting comprehensive assessments and risk evaluations, supervising other therapists, and facilitating group programs—including CBT for ADHD and long-term health conditions.

Alongside my work as a CBT therapist, I have completed relevant training such as:

- CBT for ADHD

- CBT for smoking cessation

- CBT for long-term physical health conditions

My background is enhanced by experience in supportive roles such as voluntary work with victims of domestic violence, all contributing to a well-rounded, trauma-informed, and client-centred therapeutic approach.

Panic attacks

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Health anxiety

Body dysmorphia

Social anxiety

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Agoraphobia

Specific phobias

Depression

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Addiction

Smoking Cessation

Insomnia

Trauma-informed therapy

My approach is warm, collaborative, and firmly grounded in clinical evidence—but I also bring a "tough love" style to therapy, meaning I will challenge you when needed to help you stay focused, motivated, and aligned with your goals.

I strive to create a safe, supportive, and structured therapeutic environment where you can feel understood, empowered, and equipped to make meaningful improvements.