ABOUT ME

Hi, I’m Dr Rebecca Williams, Consultant Clinical Psychologist.

I started climbing at University, and qualified as a clinical psychologist around 20 years ago, and as a climbing instructor (RCI) not long after that. Since then, I’ve been coaching climbers on mental skills for climbing, working with hundreds of climbers every year on all aspects of their headgame, to develop their confidence and improve their climbing psyche.

Rebecca Williams Smart Climbing Profile
Rebecca Climbing

I’m first and foremost a psychologist, so all my coaching and workshops are based on a thorough assessment, a psychological formulation, and evidence based techniques and tools to improve your performance. I love making psychological theory practical, keeping up with the latest sports and clinical psychology research, and adapting and applying it specifically to climbing.

I’m trained in a number of different therapies and techniques, including cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), mindfulness, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and behavioural techniques such as exposure and systematic desensitisation, commonly used to help people with fears and phobias (e.g fear of falling). I also have a level 7 certificate in coaching and mentoring.

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DBS-Checked

LOOK ME UP

I am registered as a Registered Practitioner Psychologist with the Health Care Professions Council (HCPC);

Rock Climbing Instructor (RCI), registered with Mountain Training Association.

I’m DBS checked and keep up to date with Safeguarding training, so able to work with children and vulnerable adults. Most importantly for you, I am fully insured to work as both a psychologist and coach, and as a climbing instructor.

Smart Climbing Kids Coaching

I attended a series of reflective practice workshops run by Rebecca for climbing coaches. Expertly structured around topics of mutual interest to the group, Rebecca found a natural balance of group investigation and theoretical teaching . I came away with a greater sense of confidence in my coaching practice as well as ideas around how I can further improve my skill set.

Rauni

I've been on 2 workshops 2 years apart, both brilliant. Raised my climbing head game considerably. Thanks Rebecca!

Mhairi

Overall it has made a huge difference planning what to do before going...having an aim or purpose rather than just climbing around whatever routes are free

Really enjoyed the Managing Fear and Anxiety in Climbing course. I came away feeling so much more optimistic about my climbing progression. I came away with so many tactics and learned ways to manage my fear when I feel it arise. Thank you so much!!

Just attended a climbing workshop with Rebecca - aching like a good one now. Lots of hints & tips given and an action plan to get the head in the game. Already feeling improved.

I had two 1:1 half day sessions with Rebecca, focusing on reducing my fear of falling. It was such a positive experience. Before the sessions she talked on the phone so she could get a better understanding of where I was struggling and what I had tried After the sessions I felt equipped with the tools I need to progress. She is also really easy to spend time with! I would highly recommend her.

Had an amazing time on an evening workshop! 3 hours was not enough, I could have done a whole day!!! I was apprehensive at first because it was a lot of sitting down and reading and writing. However Rebecca’s passion and chat was infectious. Her knowledge is amazing and the way she dumbed it down for me to understand was ace. The environment she created was amazing. Would highly recommend

Lauren

Rebecca… was exceptionally helpful & had quite a few ideas that I hadn't thought of despite doing the usual fall practice