About me

Hello, I’m Zuzanna

I'm a qualified psychological therapist with a background in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), psychological assessment, mental health services and research.

I work with adults and young people aged 13 and over, supporting individuals experiencing a range of emotional and psychological difficulties, including anxiety, depression, OCD, trauma, PTSD and complex PTSD, relationship difficulties, low self-esteem and challenges associated with neurodivergence.

My experience spans individual psychological therapy, group interventions, educational settings, neurodevelopmental assessments and mental health service delivery. Working across different settings has strengthened my understanding of how psychological difficulties are shaped not only by our thoughts and behaviours, but also by our relationships, past experiences and wider circumstances.

My Approach To Therapy

I believe that meaningful therapeutic change begins with feeling understood, respected and supported.

My approach is rooted in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), integrating person-centred and formulation-driven principles. I recognise that although people may experience similar difficulties, the factors contributing to those difficulties are often very different. Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, I work collaboratively with you to develop a shared understanding of your experiences, identify patterns that may be contributing to your difficulties and explore practical ways of moving forward.

I value the balance between evidence-based psychological interventions and the therapeutic relationship itself. While I bring clinical knowledge and professional experience, I recognise that you are the expert on your own life. My practice is guided by compassion, clinical responsibility, curiosity and ongoing reflection. I am committed to working within professional ethical frameworks, engaging in clinical supervision and continuing to develop my knowledge and therapeutic skills.

Zuzanna Biernat Whatley, CBT therapist based in Edinburgh
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My Professional Background & Training

My academic and professional development reflects my commitment to evidence-based psychological practice, ongoing learning and providing high-quality therapeutic care.

  • MSc Applied Forensic Psychology - Distinction
    Edinburgh Napier University | BPS Accredited Degree

    Postgraduate Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Groupwork - Merit
    Abertay University | SCQF Level 11

    Postgraduate Certificate in Counselling Studies
    University of Edinburgh | COSCA Validated

    BSc (Hons) Psychology - Upper Second-Class Honours (2:1)
    De Montfort University | BPS-Accredited Degree

    My academic training has provided a strong foundation in psychological theory, research, clinical understanding and evidence-based therapeutic interventions.

  • Postgraduate Certificate in Enhanced Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (Psychological Trauma and Personality Development)
    University of Oxford | Ongoing

    Through this specialist training, I am continuing to develop my knowledge of complex psychological difficulties, particularly those associated with psychological trauma and personality development.

  • British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)
    Individual Member (MBACP)

    British Psychological Society (BPS)
    Graduate Member (GMBPsS)

    British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP)
    Member | Working towards professional accreditation

    Professional membership, ethical practice and clinical supervision are important aspects of my commitment to maintaining appropriate professional standards and continuing to develop as a therapist.

  • Alongside my academic qualifications, I have undertaken additional training to broaden my clinical knowledge and strengthen my ability to work with a range of psychological presentations.

    • Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) Essentials - APT

    • Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2) - Specialist training certificate

    • Trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) - Combat Stress

    • Designated Safeguarding Lead Training (Children) - Vitalskills

    • Designated Safeguarding Lead Training (Adults) - Vitalskills

    • Level 2 Certificate in Self-Harm and Suicide Awareness and Prevention - TQUK

    • ADHD Awareness Diploma

    These additional areas of training inform my understanding of emotional regulation, neurodevelopmental differences, psychological trauma, safeguarding and clinical risk.

    I continue to develop my skills through professional learning, supervision and reflective practice.

  • My professional experience includes delivering individual psychological therapy, facilitating therapeutic group interventions and contributing to the assessment and support of individuals with neurodevelopmental needs.

    Psychological Therapy & Clinical Service Delivery

    I have worked within counselling and mental health services, supporting individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, OCD, interpersonal difficulties and a range of emotional and psychological challenges.

    My experience also includes clinical service management, safeguarding responsibilities and supporting the delivery of ethical, person-centred care.

    Neurodevelopmental Assessment

    My previous work as an Assistant Clinician involved contributing to neurodevelopmental assessments, gathering developmental histories, administering assessment measures and participating in multidisciplinary discussions to inform clinical understanding and care planning.

    Therapeutic Groupwork

    I have experience facilitating structured psychological and psychoeducational group interventions, including work within an NHS GP practice supporting individuals experiencing health anxiety.

    Psychological Research

    My academic research includes a systematic review and an empirical study using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA).

    Research has strengthened my appreciation of reflective practice, individual experiences and the importance of approaching psychological difficulties with curiosity rather than assumptions.

    Across my clinical and research work, I have developed a strong interest in understanding people within the wider context of their lives, experiences and relationships.