My Approach
As a Humanistic and Integrative Counsellor, I often draw on multiple theories, which include person-centred, psychodynamic, phenomenological and existential, to explore the things that are meaningful to you, in a way that is of therapeutic value. I take a holistic approach. That means that every part of you and your experience (physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual) is welcomed and valued.
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My intention is to understand your unique experience, to provide a welcoming, confidential and supportive space in which you can express how you feel, and experience being truly heard without judgement.
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Working at your pace, we can explore past and present experiences so that you may better understand how you relate to yourself, to others and the world around you. With this increased awareness comes the opportunity to move towards acceptance and to change those things that no longer work for you: to live more fully and authentically.
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I believe that each of us has an inner knowing of who we really are but that sometimes our experiences impact us in such a way that we lose touch with that sense of self - and that impacts not only how we experience ourselves, but how we experience our connections with others and with the world more generally.
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My own experience has taught me that through the therapeutic process it is possible to get to know oneself more deeply, to reconnect with that inner knowing, rebuild trust in oneself and others, where it has been lost, and to live life more fully.
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Some of the issues I can offer support with include anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, trauma, bereavement, loss, eating issues, self-esteem, relationships and transitions. I also have a particular interest in neurodiversity and how we develop aspects of our identity and our sense-of-self in relation to the world (which is a challenge that can emerge and re-emerge at different points through our lives).
"Feeling real is more than existing; it is finding a way to exist as oneself..."
Donald Winnicott
Short term or longer term?
The length of time we might work together will depend on several things which we can consider together in the initial session.
Short-term or time-limited work may be appropriate if there is a clearly defined focus. We would meet weekly for a minimum of 6 sessions.
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Longer term or open-ended work allows for a deeper exploration of issues and experiences that are significant to you. Again, meeting weekly enables us to build on the work most effectively.
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What next?
The most important part of any therapy is the relationship that the client and therapist build together. I therefore suggest an initial session to see what it might be like for us to work together, before making any further commitment.
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The initial session will be more structured than a usual counselling session. I will ask a few questions to get a sense of what the issues are for you and how best I can help. You, of course, are free to ask any questions you might have.
The cost of an initial session and all sessions thereafter is £50 for 50 mins.