What can I expect?

Whether caused by problems in personal relationships or a more general feeling of unhappiness or despair, counselling and psychotherapy aims to help you to break out of these uncomfortable or painful or anxiety-provoking patterns so that you can move forward in your life. I aim to provide an environment in which you can feel safe and where you can talk about whatever is on your mind, at your own pace in your own time. All that you bring, how you feel now and where you would like to be in the future, will be met with confidentiality and respect. Your therapeutic process is a journey in which I will ‘walk’ with you and beside you – a neutral and compassionate guide who aims to support you in discovering that what’s not yet known – lies still buried in the unconscious.
 

Therapy

I work integratively, which means I make use of different models and use these if and when appropriate as arises at any given moment.

Gestalt's immediate 'here-and-now' approach brings, for instance, what is in the foreground to our attention so that the client, with the help of the therapist, can explore existing behavioural patterns that hold you back and prevent you from living a more fulfilling life.

The Analytical approach helps to connect and understand current dysfunctional behavioural patterns which are formed in childhood and which might not be helpful any more. Old childhood wounds can then be healed and choice becomes a possibility.

Transactional Analysis (TA) helps to unpick confusing emotional states and ways of relating.

CBT methods – if and when appropriate I might introduce some CBT methods.

Mindfulness (MBCT) provides the opportunity to connect with our true self. When we are anxious, depressed or facing difficulties in life we often tend to react in ways that only make it worse.

We try to ignore the problem or numb ourselves, struggle to get rid of it, or go around in circles trying to think of a solution. Often we end up stuck deeper in the problem and frustrated with ourselves.

By contrast, mindfulness is learning to pay attention to the present moment, without judgment. Instead of struggling to get rid of our difficulties, we learn simply to be with our immediate experience, as it is. This can create a shift in awareness from which it is then possible to respond to our problems freshly, wisely and with confidence.

More specifically, mindfulness practice combines simple exercises in body awareness, breathing and meditation which, if done regularly, can be very therapeutic.

Benefits of Mindfulness Meditation:
• Helps with stress, anxiety, and addictive behaviours
• Helps break negative thought patterns that are characteristic of depression
• Gives more insight into your emotions
• Improves your ability to cope with pain and difficulties
• Helps with insomnia
• Improves relationships
• Boosts attention and concentration Improves confidence and self-esteem
• Increases your energy and enthusiasm for life

Working with the arts creates a space in which the unconscious and the unspoken words can be released – thus be recognized and acknowledged and effectively processed.

Arts Psychotherapy is a process that facilitates the development of self-awareness and personal growth. It is available to everyone, and not just those who possess skills in a specific art form. Producing a masterpiece is not the aim. As an addition to talking, the opportunity to use the arts during sessions enhances self-expression and communication offering the potential of living a more fulfilling and authentic life. This non-verbal approach has been proven to be particularly helpful for people who find it difficult to express their thoughts and feelings using words alone. Along with the support of a therapist, the arts can offer another dimension to the way we experience ourselves and the world we live in.

Common symptoms of depression are: apathy, listlessness, emotional fragility, social difficulties, problems with sleeping, loss of motivation, pessimism or despair, irritability, suicidal thoughts, loss of appetite or diminishment of the sexual functions.

Common anxiety symptoms include: heightened fear, claustrophobic feelings, social phobia or over-concern with what other people think, fear of losing a loved one, about making a mistake, of losing control or depersonalisation/loss of reality.

Most people experience some form of sexual dysfunction at some point in their lives. Common sexual problems that people bring to therapy include loss of sex drive, sexual jealousy/bullying, addiction to pornography, erectile issues and vaginismus (difficulty or pain with penetration).

Low self-esteem, often a consequence of other symptoms or life problems, is something that most people experience at some points in their lives. Feeling insecure or suffering from a chronic lack of confidence may be a passing phase; however it can also be experienced as a life-long condition. Low self-esteem can manifest in social or personal withdrawal, feelings of anxiety and depression, the excessive need to be liked, comparing oneself negatively to others or to imaginary ideals and being overly influenced by others.
 

Sessions

My fee is £60 (this includes the first session), and each session lasts 50 minutes.

I have some places available for low-cost therapy and for students in training (depending on income—fee £55 to £60).

I see clients on a weekly basis – mostly on an ongoing basis – although I also work short-term (25-35 sessions). This depends on what the client wants and also what might be most beneficial for the client. We can always evaluate your process from time to time.

First Session: I suggest we make an appointment for an initial session. This gives us the opportunity to discuss the issues that bring you to therapy. We can then also get a feel for each other and decide together how to proceed from there.