Ailsa Woods

About Ailsa Woods (CBT Therapist)

CBT Therapist

Qualifications

About Ailsa Woods (CBT Therapist)

Ailsa Woods is one of our specialist CBT Therapists at Newcastle Psychologist & Counselling, providing Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for adults aged 18 and over.

She provides therapy for a range of difficulties including anxiety (including social anxiety, overthinking and rumination, health anxiety and panic), specific fears and phobias, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Ailsa has a particular interest in supporting individuals who are struggling with health anxiety and fear of dying, helping them to develop practical strategies and a greater sense of calm in their day-to-day lives.

CBT Therapist Newcastle

Ailsa has worked in mental health for more than 30 years, beginning her career in 1993 when she qualified as a Registered Mental Health Nurse.

Since then, she has gained a wide-ranging of experience across adult and older people’s mental health services, before specialising as an Admiral Nurse, where she also helped and supported families experiencing depression, anxiety, worry, uncertainty, and stress as a result of living with someone with dementia.

Her interest in Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT) began early in her career, when she undertook a foundation course at the Newcastle Centre for CBT in 2002.

Building on this, Ailsa went on to complete her formal training as a CBT therapist in 2021, achieving a Postgraduate Diploma with Distinction in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy from Teesside University in 2024.

Alongside this, she also holds a BSc in Practice Development from Northumbria University which helps her provide the best service available for her clients.

Ailsa's Approach to Therapy

Ailsa’s decision to become a therapist stems from her lifelong drive of working with people.

As a student nurse, Ailsa saw first-hand the positive impact Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and psychology can have on people in distress and was inspired to develop her own skills so that she could offer the same support to others.

Her compassionate and person-centred approach allows her to create a safe, non-judgmental and helpful space where you can address your difficulties and move forward with confidence. Outside of work, Ailsa enjoys creative hobbies including dressmaking, knitting, pottery, and painting. She also loves spending time with her two labradors and her much-loved (though unsociable) cat.

Her creativity and love for people extend into her therapeutic work, where she brings warmth, compassion, and a genuine interest in each client’s unique story so that therapy can be helpful and supportive to help you overcome your difficulties with empathy.

Registered with Professional Bodies

Ailsa Woods (CBT Therapist) is registered with the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP), and the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).

Ailsa offers face-to-face sessions at our Gosforth clinic, as well as online appointments using Skype, Facetime, Zoom & WhatsApp Video.

If you wish to discuss working with Ailsa or any of our therapists, psychologists or counsellors in Newcastle or online, contact us using the form below, or call us on 07966 645 198.