Marla Stromberg, M.Sc.
BABCP Accredited, UKCP Reg

Background

Originally from Montreal, Canada, I have been living in London for twenty years.

I am a BABCP accredited cognitive-behavioural therapist with an MSc in Psychology.

In 1994 I obtained my CBT qualification from University College London’s (UCL’s) Academic Department of Psychiatry. The UCL Behavioural Psychotherapy course was the first CBT course to be set up in the UK. It ran from 1970-2002.

Education and Qualifications B.A., Child Studies (Distinction), Concordia University, Montreal, Canada Visiting Student (Dept. of Psychology), Goldsmiths’ College, University of London M.Sc in Experimental Methods in Psychology, University College London (UCL) Certificate in Behavioural Psychotherapy, Middlesex Hospital, UCL Conversion Diploma in Psychology (London Guildhall University) Certificate in Coaching (Centre for Coaching, London) Certificate in Stress Management and Performance Coaching (Centre for Stress Management and Centre for Coaching, London)

1990 1991 1993 1994 1997 2010 2010

Membership of Societies/Professional Organisations

• British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP)-Accredited Member
• United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapies (UKCP)-Registered Member
• Special Group in Coaching Psychology (British Psychological Society)-Member
• American Psychological Association-Associate

My Services

• Individual CBT
• Supervision to qualified therapists and therapists in training
• Clinical placement for CBT therapists on training courses
• Training Days for GP’s

How CBT Canary Wharf Got Started

Before moving to East London in the early noughties, I was spending on average four hours round trip travelling to and from work. At the time I was living in West London, and travelling to Essex for work.  I moved to East London in the early noughties, which cut my travel time down significantly. In 2006 I was fortunate enough to secure an NHS job fifteen minutes from home (joy), however, about a year and a half into that job I longed to set up a full-time private practice, and it occurred to me that there might be a demand for CBT in Canary Wharf. After doing quite a bit of research into the mental health services (specifically CBT) available in the Canary Wharf area, I discovered that actually, there was a niche in the market for a CBT Service, and so, after a bit of planning, and carefully weighing up the pros and cons of leaving the NHS, CBT Canary Wharf was established.

It has been wonderful to be able to offer my skills to the Canary Wharf workforce and local residents, whilst still being able to work close to home.

Although our location is ideal for the Canary Wharf workforce, we welcome individuals from all geographical areas.

My Approach

When I work with clients/patients, I am very aware that I may be the first person they are opening up to about their problems. With that, I appreciate how difficult that may be. My aim is to listen, without judging, and to help my clients feel “understood”. I try to see their problems from their perspective; to see the world from their viewpoint. I also work towards establishing a “trusting” relationship; without trust, it is difficult to open up about painful issues.

Code of Ethics and Professional Practice

As an accredited member of the BABCP, I adhere to the Ethical Guidelines set out by the BABCP, and refer you to the following links for more information:

http://www.babcp.com/Public/What_is_CBT.aspx
http://www.babcp.com/Files/About/conduct–ethics.pdf
http://www.babcp.com/Training/Default.aspx

Professional Development

As part of the requirements for maintaining my accreditation with the BABCP, I attend conferences and workshops regularly in order to maintain my skill base. I also attend regular clinical supervision as part of my own professional development.