My Approach
Psychotherapy
There are several different theoretical approaches to psychotherapy.
My core training is in person-centred psychotherapy, which is a humanistic approach to psychotherapy and counselling. The humanistic approach places emphasis on a relational way of working, so I am committed to working alongside my clients and at their pace, with empathy and without judgement. You will have control over what you choose to bring to therapy, and you can pace our work together in a way that feels helpful for you.
At the centre of my practice is a belief in the possibilities of a safe and collaborative therapeutic relationship where we can speak openly about our life experiences and fully understand who we are and what we would like to change. I believe that my clients are the experts in their own unique experiences and, by committing to creating an environment where you feel accepted and understood, I trust that we can work as a team to draw on your own strengths and resources to find resolutions and a way forward.
Whilst the humanistic approach places less emphasis on techniques than other therapeutic orientations, my psychotherapy practice is informed by my training in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT). I may sometimes offer suggestions about strategies and skills for emotional wellbeing, including mindfulness and ways in which to manage intense emotions and stressful situations. Importantly, you will be the one to decide if these are helpful for you.
I also often draw on attachment theory and systemic ideas as I believe it can be helpful to consider how our individual experiences and difficulties are influenced by what is going on around us, including our early relationships and attachments.
Counselling for children and support for parents & carers
As in my work with adults, when working with children and adolescents I aim to offer them a safe and confidential space in which they can express themselves and be heard. For some this may be through play and art as it can allow them to express their thoughts and feelings in a way that is comfortable and natural for them. Play and art can also support children to express things that they may not yet be able to put into words.
I work in a child-centred way so follow the child's lead in the sessions. I offer a range of toys and materials, including clay, sand, paint, puppets and toy figures, and encourage my clients to engage with these if they wish. This is very much a child-led activity, helping me to gain a sense of a child's experience and their world.
Over time, I find that children and young people can share and explore their thoughts and feelings using the medium with which they are most comfortable. For some this may be play, and for others it may be simply talking about their worries and experiences in a safe and confidential space with an adult who is not part of their family life. Self-expression and self-awareness can support children and young people to better understand and manage the challenges and difficulties that they may be facing.
As an experienced parent psychotherapist, I endeavour to work collaboratively with the adults in my young clients’ lives, so that we can think together about how their child and their family can be best supported. I also offer parenting consultation sessions for parents and carers, as well as individual psychotherapy.
EMDR Therapy
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) is an effective therapy for individuals who are experiencing distress because of traumatic events in their lives.
EMDR uses eye movements, known as bilateral stimulation, to help the brain access and process the memories of the traumatic event(s).
This is proven to support the brain’s natural healing process, which resolves symptoms, such as flashbacks, depression, anxiety, and guilt, and promotes wellbeing and recovery.
Based on what you tell me and the direction of our work together, I may suggest that EMDR could be helpful. This is something that we can then discuss and think about together.
Further information about EMDR can be found here:
Get In Touch
Please do get in touch if you have any questions or to arrange an initial appointment.
All enquiries are usually answered within 24 hours and all contact is strictly confidential.