about us

Shona Spence is a fully qualified and accredited Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist with the BABCP and has worked in mental health for 20 years. With decades of experience and a wide skills base behind her, Shona  practices at expert level with her roots firmly in mental health and psychological wellbeing.

Shona's journey with the NHS began with a nursing career in 2003. She graduated with a Diploma of Higher Education in Nursing and a BA in Nursing studies (Distinction). It was whilst studying mental health nursing that she developed her passion and interest in CBT.  It became apparent to Shona, that patients who received CBT often showed remarkable improvement and sustained recovery.  On completing her studies,  she was employed in the psychiatric services, working within an inpatient ward for people with acute mental health conditions. 

During this period, Shona's ambition was to work within the community mental health service.  She really loved being a clinician, working on a one to one basis and being involved within a busy community mental health team.  Here the multi-disciplinary team all worked together to find the best course of treatment, solutions and recovery for patients.  Shona worked closely with Psychiatrists,   Psychologists, Occupational Therapists, Dieticians and Physiotherapists - personally assessing patients and implementing tailored treament plans. It was at this point in her career that she realised that CBT was indeed her passion and began to study a Post Graduate Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy at the University of Dundee. This was alongside full-time working commitment, bringing up her young family of two boys and their pet dog Clemmie. 

After gaining her accreditation with the BABCP in 2014, Shona then proceeded to combine private practice work alongside her NHS remit. 

For Shona, seeing the transformation that CBT can bring,  is such a joy.  From the moment she begins to work with a person, with a variety of negative feelings and symptoms, to being alongside them on their journey and watching them gradually blossom and see a zest for life return. This is what truly inspired Shona to establish The CBT Works.  Written by the virtual team.  

Shona has lived and worked in Aberdeenshire for many years and has had close ties in Aberdeenshire since moving to Inverurie at the age of nine.  She attended Inverurie Academy and at a very early age developed an interest in human behaviours. Her main interests were in sport and art and Shona participated in the school's athletics, netball and hockey teams. She is particarly proud of being selected for the Academy's Country Dance team! 

Shona lived in Edinburgh for many years before settling back in Aberdeenshire - you can’t see Bennachie from Edinburgh! She has two sons and a bossy border terrier called Clemmie (who sadly passed away in January 2022). Shona enjoys travel and to head off for a wee ski in the winter and loves to walk . Shona also enjoys practicing yoga, heading out on long walks in the beautiful countryside (which we are all so lucky to have around us) and wild swimming to care for her own mental health and wellbeing.