Psychotherapy & Counselling
What is Psychotherapy and Counselling?
I perceive psychotherapy and counselling as a way to develop a deeper understanding of the different parts of self - on both a conscious and unconscious level. Cultivating a more compassionate curiosity and ultimately supporting the client to become more aware of the ways of coping that serve them and what might be causing inner conflict.
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Painful feelings ranging from relationship issues, stress at work, anxiety, trauma or bereavement can leave us feeling powerless, isolated or unheard in our communities. For some, therapy might be the first time that they feel listened to and understood, and this experience can lead to clients feeling freer to make decisions about their lives and gain a stronger sense of agency.
What happens in a typical session?
​Psychotherapy and counselling are talking therapies that involve discussing whatever issues or anxiety that bring you to therapy. ​​I consider psychotherapy and counselling to be a collaborative process, rather than a passive one. I aim to provide a warm, non-judgemental space, where an exploration of ideas, core beliefs and thought patterns can be examined, and more clarity and understanding of your inner world can be reached. This can allow you to see situations or dynamics within relationships from a different perspective and can help to gain a deeper awareness of yourself and any unhelpful thought patterns. I see a part of the work to build upon your inner resilience and courage and to support you to be authentically yourself.
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Sessions will be 50 minutes long and usually take place at the same time and same day every week - this is important for the process, as it cultivates a consistent therapeutic relationship where you can get the most from the work.​​
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Typically I offer open-ended psychotherapy as that suits the depth of work that I offer, but if a client is keen to only work together in a more short-term way (perhaps to focus on more of a particular issue or crisis), I tend to offer a block of 6, 12 or 20 counselling sessions.
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Initial Assessment
I offer a free 15-minute consultation either online or by phone where you can share what brings them to therapy now and if you have any goals or hopes for therapy. I am keen to de-mystify therapy, so there will be time for you to ask any questions that arise about my experience, my way of working, or my contract. If we decide to proceed, I will book you in for a 50-minute initial assessment. If my approach isn't quite what you are looking for, I can usually reach out to my network and signpost you to other trusted colleagues.
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For some, it can feel overwhelming thinking about beginning therapy and understandably you may want to see how it feels in session first. The initial assessment is a chance for us both to see if working together might be a good fit. It usually involves having a more in-depth discussion about what brings you to therapy. I will take a brief family history and any other significant relationships in your life, and if you have any previous experience of therapy (what worked and what didn't to inform my approach), and any safeguarding issues.
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What I can help with
I have worked with clients from a diverse range of backgrounds and cultural heritages, and have supported clients who have experienced a variety of issues relating to:
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Family/ relationship issues ​
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Perinatal issues/ matrescence
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Trauma/ PTSD
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Domestic abuse & coercive control​
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Codependency & enmeshment
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Depression
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Anxiety
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Strong inner - critic
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ADHD related issues
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LGBTQIA related issues
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Social marginalisation
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Work-related stress
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Maladaptive/ immersive daydreaming
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