About Me
I'm Sian Lison and I run The CBT Space. I am a BABCP Accredited Cognitive Behavioural Therapist, offering both online and in-person CBT therapy for adults. I am based in Devon, with a private counselling room at my clinic in Exmouth.
The CBT Space has been open since January 2025 and offers a client-centred approach to CBT therapy. Sessions are flexible and tailored to your individual needs, with no expectation to commit to a set number of sessions. Whether you’re seeking short-term support or ongoing therapy, CBT sessions can be shaped around your goals, pace, and availability.
I specialise in CBT for anxiety and emotional difficulties, including times when emotions feel overwhelming or difficult to connect with. I help clients understand the patterns keeping them stuck and develop practical ways of responding differently to difficult thoughts, feelings and situations. My approach is practical, compassionate and collaborative.
I am accredited by the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP) and work in line with their professional standards and ethical guidelines. This includes receiving regular clinical supervision and completing ongoing continuing professional development (CPD) each year, ensuring the CBT therapy I provide is safe, effective, and grounded in evidence-based practice.
Education
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Bachelor of Science (BSc Hons): Psychology, University of Central Lancashire, 2005.
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Postgraduate Certificate (PgCert): Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy, University of South Wales, 2022.
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Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip): Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy, University of South Wales, 2024.
Work
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I have worked within NHS Mental Health Services since 2008 as a Senior Research Practitioner, supporting individuals with a wide range of mental health difficulties across varied clinical settings.
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I am trained in solution-focused therapy and motivational interviewing, and have delivered psychologically informed interventions within NHS crisis services, supporting individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts, self-harm and psychosis.
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Alongside my private practice, I provide CBT through specialist referral pathways, Employee Assistance Programmes and occupational health services, including work with healthcare professionals and individuals in high-responsibility and frontline roles. I am also a recognised provider with AXA Health, Aviva and WPA, allowing clients to access CBT through their health insurance where applicable.
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I began my career within the Prison Service as a drug and alcohol support worker, working with individuals experiencing addiction and complex life challenges.
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I volunteer with the Association for Postnatal Illness (APNI), supporting women during the postnatal period, and contribute to the award-winning Postnatal Pod in Devon, promoting maternal wellbeing.
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I provided CBT through Mind for two years, initially as part of my CBT training placement and continuing with the organisation following qualification.
My experience across NHS services, private practice and specialist referral pathways informs a practical and flexible approach to CBT, working with adults experiencing a range of emotional and psychological difficulties.