BAM Therapy

01/09/2026

One of the most common things people say in a first session is some version of "I probably should have done this sooner."

Often that's not reluctance - it's that the process is genuinely opaque from the outside. Who am I supposed to see? How do I know they're qualified? Does it matter if they're nearby?

This new guide answers those questions for anyone in Exeter or Devon. It covers both NHS routes, including self-referral to TalkWorks; where to search privately and how to verify someone on the HCPC register in about a minute; what to look for beyond the letters after a name; and the questions worth asking before you commit.

There's also an honest section on whether your psychologist needs to be local. Local knowledge genuinely helps - Devon's NHS pathways, the pressures of seasonal work, the isolation that rural and coastal living can carry. Being physically close matters much less, because the sessions themselves are online.

Head over to the blog to read it here: https://www.bamtherapy.co.uk/blog

25/08/2026

"Should I see a counsellor, a psychotherapist, or a psychologist?"

It's one of the most common questions people arrive with, and the answer is rarely explained anywhere. The titles sound interchangeable, they sit side by side in the same directories, and the differences are real but invisible from the outside.

Here's the part most people don't know: some of those titles are protected by law and some aren't. "Clinical Psychologist" can only be used by someone registered with the HCPC - a psychology degree followed by a three-year doctorate with supervised NHS placements. "Counsellor" and "therapist" carry no such restriction.

That doesn't make one better than another. Plenty of counsellors and psychotherapists are excellent and highly trained. It does mean the title on its own tells you less than you'd assume, and that a minute spent checking a register is a minute well spent.

The new guide explains what each profession actually does, which tends to suit which kind of difficulty, where questions about medication belong, and the checks worth doing before you commit to anyone.

The full guide is on the blog which lives on the new BAM Therapy website - now live 🎉 with fees listed openly, insurance explained properly, and everything written in plain English rather than for search engines.

Read the guide here: https://www.bamtherapy.co.uk/post/clinical-psychologist-vs-counsellor-vs-therapist

23/08/2026

A little reflection, before the reveal.

For the past few months I've been redesigning the Body and Mind Therapy website. What began as "it could look a bit fresher" turned into something much bigger - sitting down and honestly asking what this practice is actually for, and who it serves best.

The answer turned out to be three things, and they've now got proper space of their own:

🧠 Online clinical psychology. Evidence-based therapy delivered online across the UK, drawing on CBT, compassion-focused therapy, ACT and mindfulness-based approaches - adapted to the person, not the other way round. Recognised by Bupa, Aviva and WPA.

🌿Clinically-informed yoga. Yoga shaped by psychology rather than sitting beside it: trauma-informed, accessible, and offered in Exeter and Devon as small group classes, workshops and one-to-one sessions. This is the part of the work I've grown most in over the last year.

🏢 Workplace and business wellbeing. Psychologist-designed sessions for organisations across Devon - staff workshops, resilience and burnout, reflective practice, and yoga for teams.

Underneath all three, nothing has changed. Warm, plain-English, clinically credible, trauma-informed from start to finish. What's changed is that it's far easier to find your way to the right door.

The new site goes live very soon. I'll share the link here first. 🌿

— Dr Kayleigh Darch, Clinical Psychologist (HCPC registered)

29/06/2026

Longest ever ride ✨️

Yesterday I cycled the 100 mile Nello charity bike ride organised by FORCE Cancer Charity.

Glorious day for a fun cycle with friends up into Exmoor ☀️ Regular snack stops definitely helped me manage the distance!

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20/05/2026

Therapy is changing and growing. Discover how online therapy is proving to be an accessible, effective option for emotional and mental health support. Read our quick 3-minute breakdown of the evidence and what it means for you. https://wix.to/dcwdqQv

As demand for mental health support continues to grow, online psychological therapy has rapidly evolved from a convenient alternative into a clinically credible form of treatment. A recent paper published in the British Journal of Clinical Psychology adds to the growing body of evidence suggesting t...

27/04/2026

Time to unwind ⏸️

I was thrilled to be invited back to the University of Exeter Students' Guild for their Staff Day 🙌🏻

Together, we enjoyed stretching & yoga flows, mindfulness practices, and guided relaxation to help the team relax and recharge.

Thank you for having me 💛

👀 Does your team need some wellbeing inspiration? Planning an away day? 👋🏻 Let's chat about some ideas! 👀



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29/01/2026

We are now into our fifth year of collaboration with staff groups at the university of Exeter offering wellbeing-focused yoga.

It is an opportunity for staff to pause in the working day, bring some movement to the body, and connect with each other.

It feels really uplifting to be invited back and great to see new people join to try yoga for the very first time 💛

👋🏻 If you're interested in bringing yoga to your workplace or team then just get in touch to find out more or head over to www.bamtherapy.co.uk for more information.

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19/01/2026

Life's challenges don't have to hold you back.

With therapy, you can break free from daily struggles and unlock a more resilient, confident you. Explore, learn, and grow with support.

Head over to the website to discover more and read the full blog article ✨️

www.bamtherapy.co.uk

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13/10/2025

CBT is one of the most effective therapies, but many people might not know what it involves.

I've written a clear and easy-to-follow guide explaining the main principles and key techniques of CBT to give you a better understanding of what it is and how it works.

https://www.bamtherapy.co.uk/post/cognitive-behavioural-therapy-cbt-principles-components

Discover more about therapy on our website: www.bamtherapy.co.uk

22/09/2025

Rest isn't lazy. Rest is science ⏸️

🧠 It boosts mood, focus, recovery & resilience.

💤 You don't need to earn it - you need to practice it.

As a Clinical Psychologist, I often remind other people: rest is not a reward you have to earn - it's a foundation of healthy wellbeing.

This is something I remind myself too to help me hit pause on being productive & active and give myself proper downtime.

❔️ What helps you feel more rested?

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