Meet Dr Susan Scupham

I am a highly skilled Psychotherapist with over 20 years experience and currently run my own practice in Bournemouth. I have worked with people with a range of challenging life issues and mental health problems.

 

I qualified as a therapist in 2001.

Prior to training as a therapist I worked in Human Resources and retail management.

As a psychotherapist I have worked clinically with children, young people and adults within school, college, agencies and NHS settings. 

I am trained in a number of theoretical approaches including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Transactional Analysis and Person Centred. 

I have worked in the NHS as a psychotherapist and senior manager for 15 years. 

I have significant experience as a clinical supervisor with both individuals and groups. 

I have a particular interest in suicide and risk. I completed my doctoral thesis entitled ‘Life after suicide: Psychotherapists and allied professionals speak about their experiences of working with suicidal clients and the impact it has on them if their client dies’. I have presented my research both nationally and internationally. 

I have lectured for many years on level 3 counselling studies, level 4 counselling and psychotherapy and level 5 CBT courses. 

I have had the opportunity to facilitate both large and small groups in workshops, training and conference settings along with facilitating therapy and educational groups with clients and delivering workshops to students and health professionals.

 

Qualifications and Training

  • Doctorate in Psychotherapy

  • Postgraduate Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

  • MSc in Counselling and Psychotherapy as a Means to Health

  • Advanced Diploma in Humanistic Counselling

  • Diploma to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector

  • City & Guilds Certificate in Further Education Teaching

  • Certificates in Advanced Supervision

  • Certificate in Core Supervision

  • Certificate in Therapeutic Supervision

  • EMDR 

  • Advanced Skills in the Treatment of Health Anxiety

  • Advanced Skills in Behavioural Experiments

  • Advanced CBT for Insomnia 

  • Dementia Awareness

  • Complicated Grief Treatment

  • Suicide and Self-harm

  • CBT for Older Adults

  • Compassion Focused Therapy for Shame and Self Criticism

  • Anger treatment: Case formulation and stress inoculation approach

  • Medically unexplained Symptoms

  • Chronic pain: what works?

Training from Susan

Feedback

"When I first met Susan, I felt pretty broken. Over the last 7 months, Susan has helped me gain back my strength, confidence, self-belief and personal resilience to the extent that now I can manage my stress and I’m enjoying my job once again – for me, it’s been a life-changing experience and I couldn’t recommend Susan more highly. “

 — Carolyn

"I have worked with counsellors before, but was recommended this time to find a psychotherapist. This has been one of the best decisions I have ever made. The process Susan took me on has been life changing, it has enhanced my marriage and my relationships but more than that, helped me to see myself as others see me and as I really am. I strongly recommend talking to Susan, the most empathetic, interested, engaged therapist you will find! She asks great questions, challenges when necessary and through it all had my very best interests at heart."

 — James

My time working with Susan has changed my life in all aspects and I wasn’t expecting that. I didn't know what to expect but I knew I needed help. Susan’s approach was so perfect for what I needed and I never felt that any issue was too small or insignificant to discuss. 

I always ended each session feeling understood and with new tools, strategies and learnings to take away and implement in my everyday life. 

Without the therapy I don’t feel as though I would be thriving as I am today and hope to continue to do so.

 — Sonnaz

I was quite dubious about therapy to start with, but being inside my head was starting to feel unmanageable! I found Susan and she instantly put me at ease, and displayed genuine care throughout the whole process. I didn't feel silly or embarrassed and never felt I needed to hold the tears back when they came. The beginning was a very emotional few weeks, but when we started really looking into my behaviours and tying it back to my core beliefs, I started to understand and feel much more capable and strong. We then did a series of week long behavioural experiments and I was able to see the benefits quite quickly. Life feels really manageable now, even when the odd hiccup occurs.  I can't recommend Susan enough, she was a trusted custodian of my issues and insecurities, she built me back up with incredible skill and care.  Thank you!

 — Emma

At the end of 2019, I realised there was a problem. I had drifted into a black hole and didn't understand why I was feeling so low. I had no patience, was irritable all the time and those closest to me got the brunt of it. I struggled with motivation and woke up most days in a fog, with little hope and a feeling of numbness. I started to reach out for help at this stage and after several months of trying different support/treatment, I was referred to Susan. After our first session, I immediately knew I was talking to someone who understood my problems. Over the next 16 sessions, Susan helped me to understand how I had got to such a low point. Each session helped me deal with whatever was going on for me at that moment and gave me the confidence to keep moving forward. It's no exaggeration to say that without my time with Susan, I really don't know where I would be today or what the negative impact could have been on my life.

 — Martyn

I met Susan when facing work related stress problems and burnout, at our first meeting I immediately felt at ease.  With Susan’s help and guidance following a CBT programme I learnt techniques and skills to manage  stress and anxiety.  Susan’s kind, friendly personality and professionalism takes you on a journey to help you solve problems, and learn more about helping yourself.  

 — Nick

My sessions with Susan were enormously beneficial.  I am very grateful for the help she has provided and the improvements I have been able to make after seeing her”

 — James

I came to Susan in despair and desperate for help.  I was sleep deprived, anxious, emotional, overwhelmed and lost. After not having much success with therapy previously, I felt this was my last chance to give it another go but this time I wanted to go private and what a difference in the approach and standards. In my opinion, it was an incomparable experience. Susan helped me understand the roots of my problem and was able to interlink how it had created repeated patterns of behaviour throughout my life. This alone turned a switch in me as this gave me hope of finding the true solution this time. Susan then introduced me to coping mechanisms, which actually work. I’ve never learnt so much about myself or felt so empowered before and I just can’t believe how in a matter of months I feel like a completely different person. There aren’t words to describe how grateful I am to have met Susan. Susan is exactly what I wished for when I was desperate for help: professional, an amazing listener, motivating, authentic, easy to talk to and has a genuine passion about what she does. I can’t thank her enough.  Anyone who is fortunate enough to work with Susan should know you’re in the best possible hands.

 — Anna

Susan was a great help to me when I was at a real low. Wouldn’t hesitate to go back to her if I needed to.  Many thanks Susan.

 — Carole

Thank you so much for all your support and knowledge, which really helped me through a tough time. Both understanding my vulnerabilities and applying CBT techniques have been invaluable

  — Emma

Susan made me feel relaxed and welcome at all times listened to me and worked with me to find the right treatment to help me. She had great confidence in me which encouraged me to keep going. I am so grateful Susan helped me to where I am today more relaxed, confident and happy within myself.

— Ali

I contacted to Susan when I was at my lowest point, when I felt I would never be able to get back to the person I was. The positive impact of therapy with Susan was instant, from the very first session. The tools and insight I have gained have helped me in many aspects of my life, including family, relationships, work and health. I am motivated, positive and can’t thank Susan enough for the help she has given me.

— Claire.

This is the first time I have used this service and it is fantastic, I would highly recommend this to anyone who is going through some tough times. Susan has been amazing at guiding me and helping me understand my thought processes and actions and I have learnt so much about myself.

— Alex

I felt like I was respected and listened to at all times. Susan was always on the end of the phone if I needed someone to speak to without being made to feel like I am a burden.

— Gill

It was my first time using a service like this so wasn’t sure what to expect but I am so glad it was with Susan. I’ve felt welcome and safe speaking to her. She has been incredible guiding me in the right direction, helping me in the best way possible. I will always be very grateful for Susan and my amazing experience.

— Sophie

Susan provides a warm and trusting environment to feel comfortable with communicating and exploring new territories, whilst also maintaining that feeling of safety.  I was initially apprehensive around completing the sessions virtually due to the current restrictions but after the first session it felt completely normal.  Susan worked with me to set goals and provide support with any setbacks along the way to help achieve them.  I would highly recommend Susan to anyone that is considering therapy. 

— Olly

Susan was super helpful with showing me how to understand and deal with my problems, give me back my self-esteem, understand myself and giving me ways to keep myself on track for the future.

— Alice

Susan has supported me address my work-related anxiety. Through analysis I now understand where this originates and I have learnt techniques to help me combat it. I have had previous CBT therapy but I found Susan's approach methodical and practical, enabling me with the understanding and tools to make truly effective changes in my life.

 — Nicky B, Bournemouth.