YOUR THOUGHTS, YOUR FEELINGS, YOUR WAY
Compassionate, practical cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to help you navigate life's challenges and build lasting wellbeing.
For all enquiries contact us on:
enquiries@calmerhorizons.com or 07471193524
Finding Hope in Difficult Times
Life's challenges can feel overwhelming. When we're struggling with our mental health, everyday tasks become mountains to climb. Anxiety, depression, and fear can shrink our world until we feel trapped in a cycle of negative thoughts and emotions. Many people find themselves avoiding more and more experiences, whilst their minds race between past hurts and future worries, making it difficult to find peace in the present moment.
But there is hope. At Calmer Horizons, we specialise in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), a scientifically validated approach that offers practical tools for lasting change. CBT helps you understand how thoughts influence your experiences and teaches valuable skills to break free from limiting patterns, other complimentary approaches like mindfulness may also be used in treatment.
What makes our approach unique is its focus on the present and future rather than dwelling extensively on past experiences. We work together to identify thought patterns that may be holding you back and develop strategies to create positive change. Our clients often experience significant improvements in their wellbeing within a short time frame.
Research has consistently shown CBT to be one of the most effective forms of therapy available. We can help you:
- Develop healthier thought patterns
- Build confidence in handling difficult situations
- Create meaningful changes in your daily life
- Find greater peace and satisfaction
No matter how long you've been struggling, transformation and change is possible. We've witnessed countless individuals discover new ways of thinking and living that they never thought possible. You have the capacity to heal and grow – sometimes you just need someone to show you the way.
Getting Started is Simple
Initial Contact
Submit your initial enquiry through our contact form
Schedule
We'll respond within 24 hours to discuss your needs and book your preferred session type (face-to-face, online, or telephone)
First Session
Begin your journey with your therapist
Ongoing Support
Regular sessions to support your progress
Areas We Work With
Anxiety & Fear-Related Conditions
- Anxiety and uncertainty
- Panic attacks
- Phobias
- Agoraphobia
- Health and social anxiety
- OCD
Mood & Emotional Challenges
- Low mood and depression
- Stress and sleep difficulties
- Self-criticism, poor self-confidence, low self-esteem
- Coping with difficult emotions such as anger
Trauma & Adjustment
- PTSD
- Life adjustment issues
- Intrusive thoughts / distressing voices
Health & Communication
- Long-Term health conditions or pain
- Effective communication
What is CBT and how can it help me?
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, or CBT as it's commonly known, brings together two distinct therapeutic approaches. The cognitive bit focuses on your thoughts and mental processes, whilst the behavioural component examines your actions and habits.
At its heart, CBT helps you take a proper look at how you view your circumstances. By working through negative thought patterns and feelings, you can break free from counterproductive behaviours that might be holding you back. Rather than delving into your past experiences, CBT concentrates on sorting out your present-day challenges, although sometimes exploring difficulty in our past can help resolve the present problems.
CBT has proven success in treating various mental health difficulties, especially anxiety related problems and depression.
Meet the Therapist
My journey began 29 years ago as a mental health nurse, giving me a foundation of compassionate care that shapes my therapy practice today. With second and third-generation immigrant heritage, I also bring personal understanding of cultural complexities and identity challenges that many navigate in today's diverse society.
This unique combination of professional and personal experience has enriched my work across diverse settings:
Justin Simms-Hughes, BA(hons) Psychological Therapies; Dip CBT; RNMH.
- Crisis support and management
- Older adult and dementia care
- Psychosis services and forensic settings
- Community mental health teams
- Working with diverse populations in both the UK and New Zealand
After a decade providing CBT within the NHS, I offer not just therapeutic expertise but genuine understanding of how mental health interacts with physical wellbeing, medications, and cultural backgrounds. As a BABCP-accredited therapist, I maintain the highest professional standards through regular supervision, continuous development, and adherence to ethical frameworks. I hold full professional indemnity insurance and am committed to evidence-based practice.
I create a safe space where you can speak without judgment, combining professional knowledge with human connection—because healing begins when you feel truly seen and understood.
Our Sessions
Session Information
Sessions are 50-60 minutes long and can be conducted:
- Face to face at our Derby City Cathedral Quarter office
- Online via secure video platform
- By telephone
Session Fees & Booking
Our session fees and and booking conditions are as follows:
- Self-funding: £70 per session
- Payment required within 24 hours of each session via bank transfer
- 48-hour cancellation policy applies (full fee charged for late cancellations)
- Available Tues 6pm-8pm and Sat 9:30am-3pm
Insurance-Funded Sessions
Different rates apply for insurance-funded sessions. Administrative fees may be required and will be discussed during your booking. Professional reports are charged at £90 per hour.
Location & Accessibility
Our welcoming office is centrally located in Derby City Cathedral Quarter:
- Easy access from city centre
- Close to public transport (on foot 4min to bus station, 25 mins to train station)
- Ample parking within 5 min walk
- Comfortable, private consultation rooms
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will therapy take?
The length of therapy varies for each person. Some clients see significant improvements in 6-12 sessions, while others might benefit from longer-term support. We'll discuss your specific needs and goals in our first session and regularly review your progress.
What happens in a CBT session?
Sessions are collaborative and practical. Together we'll explore your challenges, identify patterns in your thoughts and behaviours, and develop strategies for positive change. You may receive gentle exercises to try between sessions to build skills and confidence.
Is CBT right for me?
CBT can help with a wide range of challenges, from anxiety and depression to specific phobias and stress management. It's particularly effective for people who want practical tools to help manage their thoughts and feelings. We can discuss if CBT is the best approach for your situation during our initial contact.
What if I need to cancel?
We require 48 hours' notice for cancellations to avoid the full session fee. This helps us maintain availability for all clients who need support as demand is high.
Will everything I say be confidential?
Yes, our sessions are completely confidential. The only exceptions would be if there was serious risk of harm to yourself or others, which we would always discuss with you beforehand. We may discuss cases in supervision but never with any identifying information.
Do you offer online sessions?
Yes, we provide secure video sessions and telephone sessions in addition to face-to-face therapy at our Derby office.
Need Urgent Support?
While we are not a crisis service, if you need immediate support, these services are available 24/7:
- Derbyshire Mental Health Helpline: Free 24/7 support for Derbyshire residents Call: 0800 028 0077
- CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) Call: 0800 58 58 58 Open 5pm - midnight, 365 days a year
- Shout: 24/7 text support service Text: 85258 Free for anyone in crisis, anytime, anywhere
Remember: If you or someone else is in immediate danger, please call 999 or visit your nearest A&E department.
Where We Are
Our welcoming office is centrally located in Derby City Cathedral Quarter:
- Easy access from city centre
- Close to public transport (on foot 4min to bus station, 25 mins to train station)
- Ample parking within 5 min walk (Amen Alley, Cathedral Car park, Sowter Road, Bold Lane and Chapel Street as well as on street Pay and displays nearby)
- We offer comfortable, private consultation rooms
Take the first step
Get in touch with us and begin your journey to lasting wellbeing.
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