CBT Therapist in Cheadle Hulme
Neurodiversity-Affirming, Compassionate Support
Therapy that meets you where you are, and helps you move toward where you want to be.
I bring specialist insight into ADHD and Autism, offering affirming support. evidence based practical tools and lasting change at your pace.
About Me
I’m an accredited Cognitive Behavioural Therapist, but more importantly, I’m someone who understands what it’s like to struggle. I’ve lived through self‑doubt and anxiety, and I know how heavy it can feel when it affects your relationships and your sense of belonging in the world.
For me, things started to change when I began reflecting, learning, and putting new ideas into practice. Slowly, I was able to lift the “grey‑tinted glasses” I’d been seeing life through. That experience is what drives me now, I want to offer others the same chance to see things differently, to feel lighter, and to find their own way forward.
In therapy with me, you’ll find patience, understanding, and compassion. I don’t believe anyone should have to face challenges alone. My role is to walk alongside you, helping you explore, make sense of things, and build strategies that fit your life
Zach Cairns
300+
Clients Served
2k+
Therapy Sessions Held
8
Years of Experience
Who I Can Help
You may be a young person or adult. You may or may not be Autistic or have ADHD. You may be experiencing persistent psychological and behavioural challenges which could be impacting your relationships and being able to go about your every day. These are some the main issues you may struggle with
- Anxiety
- Depression and low mood
- Emotional overwhelm
- Panic attacks
- Obsessive thoughts and compulsions
- Trauma
- Recurring nightmares and flashbacks (PTSD)
- Social anxiety
I am based in Cheadle Hulme, providing therapy to adults, young people and families in the local area. Most of the people I support live within a 3–5 mile radius, including Bramhall, Cheadle, Gatley, Heald Green, Handforth and Hazel Grove. I also work with clients from further afield when it is convenient for them to travel or when online sessions are preferred.
My Approach
My practice is rooted in evidence-based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), which helps identify patterns of unhelpful thoughts and behaviours that affect how we feel. Together, we work on developing practical skills to address these patterns and create lasting change.
While CBT is highly effective, I believe it can sometimes lack the emotional depth and compassion that many people need. That’s why I integrate elements of Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT). These approaches allow us to explore your inner dialogue, challenge the negative inner critic, and cultivate a more supportive, balanced mindset helping to improve mood and reduce anxiety. Importantly, these methods are introduced only when, through our collaborative psychological formulation, they feel right for you.
With a background in psychology, I ensure that every therapy plan is shaped around your unique needs. At the start of our work together, we’ll have an open discussion and develop a shared understanding of the difficulties you’re facing. This process helps us clarify your goals and ensures you receive the right support. Sometimes, this may mean recognising that another approach or another professional would be better suited, in which case I’ll guide you toward the next step.
Although therapy can sound clinical, my sessions are designed to feel quite the opposite. I bring a friendly, approachable style, creating a safe and non-judgemental space where you feel heard, understood, and supported.
My Experience
My experience spans over 8 years across residential care, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) and private practice, supporting young people, adults and families with a wide range of emotional and psychological needs. In residential homes, I helped young people and families improve communication, develop co‑regulation skills and build routines that supported emotional wellbeing and stronger relationships.
My time in CAMHS strengthened this further, where I worked within multidisciplinary teams to support individuals with complex mental health presentations, including neurodivergence. This involved combining CBT formulation with systemic work alongside schools, social workers and families to ensure support was consistent across all areas of life.
These experiences shaped the way I practise today. They taught me the importance of understanding the whole person, taking time to explore root causes and adapting therapy to each individual’s communication style, sensory needs and pace. In private practice, this means I can offer truly person‑centred, evidence‑based therapy that is not limited by external pressures—support that is grounded in your values, goals and lived experience.
What Therapy Is
Therapy is a collaborative process between a trained professional and a client, aimed at exploring thoughts, feelings, and behaviours in a safe and confidential environment. Sessions typically involve various techniques tailored to the individual's needs, including talk therapy, cognitive behavioural methods, or mindfulness practices. The therapeutic setting encourages open communication, allowing clients to express their concerns and work through challenges at their own pace.
As therapy progresses, clients often develop greater self-awareness and coping strategies, which can lead to improved mental health and overall well-being. It is important for individuals to feel comfortable with their therapist, as this relationship is crucial for effective healing and personal growth. Therapy can take place in various forms, such as one-on-one sessions or even online consultations, making it accessible to a broader range of people seeking support.
Getting Started
If you have read this page and feel like starting therapy is right for you, click Get Started and drop me a short message and I will be in touch.
From there it will look like this
1. I will get back to you saying hello and offer a free 20min consultation to discuss what's bringing you to therapy and answer any more of your questions
2. If you decide you wish to continue I will send a reigstration form, asking for basic details legally required, which is a chance for you to understand the therapy contract. Example found under the Legal Notice section, here
3. We will choose a convenient time that you can commit to regular sessions and book our first session date.
4. We meet for our first session.
Contact
Telephone: 07450766559
E-mail: zc.therapy@outlook.com
Address: 11 Station Road, Cheadle, SK8 5AF, United Kingdom