Paula Fitzsimon
Senior Lecturer
Biography
Paula is a BABCP accredited High Intensity Therapist. She originally trained in Person Centred Counselling, qualifying in 2006 and subsequently completed her BSc (Hons) degree in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy at the University of Cumbria in 2008, followed by the Postgraduate Diploma at the University of Chester in 2010. She has also completed the Postgraduate level training in High and Low Intensity Supervision. Paula worked as a CBT Therapist in NHS IAPT services between 2010 and 2021 treating patients with depression and anxiety related difficulties. She now runs her own private practice.
Teaching and Supervision
Paula is a Senior Lecturer on the Postgraduate Diploma in CBT: High Intensity Training (HIT). She provides clinical supervision to students on the programme, assisting them in developing their clinical expertise as well as marking their Portfolio. Paula is responsible for producing the e-portfolio that student use on the course, which is in line with the curriculum requirements and the BABCP Minimum Training Standards. In addition to this, Paula is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and lectures across the various modules of the HIT Training Programme.
Research and Knowledge Exchange
Paula has extensive experience working as a Cognitive Behavioural Therapist in the NHS between 2010 and 2021. She continues to see patients in her own Private Practice, Collaborate CBT Ltd. This includes working with Arian Wellbeing providing expert support to their clinical team as well as one to one CBT for refugees as part of their community based work, and in association with local councils in various areas of the country.