I offer face to face psychotherapy and counselling to adult individuals.  My extensive training as a psychotherapist and counsellor drew on different approaches to therapy, enabling me to work in an integrative way.  This allows me to recognise that individuals are all unique in their being and, as such, require different responses to their difficulties.  For this reason I utilise the most valuable and relevant aspects of each theory, rather than adopting a ‘one size fits all’ approach. In the main I draw upon Person-Centred, Existential and Psychoanalytic schools of thought, with a particular interest in psychoanalytic/psychodynamic theory and what it has to offer us in terms of insight and understanding into how our past can influence and direct our present.

I aim to create a welcoming and non-judgemental environment in which you will feel able to speak freely.  My consulting room is a safe space in which we can explore your concerns and difficulties, with the hope of working towards bringing about the change you desire.  I strongly believe in the potential of the therapeutic relationship in and of itself to effect change, aspects of which I explored within my doctoral research.

The Initial Consultation 

This initial meeting will last for up to 1 hour and 30 minutes and gives us the opportunity to explore your hopes for therapy. It also provides you with an opportunity to gain a sense of what it is like to have time and a space to speak and think about yourself and to begin exploring and making sense of your experiences.  I will invite you to say something about what has prompted you to seek a therapist at this time and also to tell me about your day to day experiencing of life in the present.  In addition, I will also ask you to tell me about your past in terms of your childhood and the experiences that have contributed to your development and the person you are today. Through this we should be able to develop an initial understanding of the nature of your difficulties and discuss whether engaging in therapy with me is the most appropriate option for you to take.  You will also have the opportunity to ask me any questions you may have.

Working Together

If we agree to work together then we will usually meet for weekly sessions and I will schedule a mutually convenient, regular 50 minute appointment which is reserved for you.  I work with people on both a short and long-term basis, dependent upon their individual needs and am happy to review the length and frequency of engagement as necessary.

Ethics

I abide by both the UKCP Ethical Principles and Code of Professional Conduct and the SAFPAC Standards of Conduct, Performance and Ethics.

In line with UKCP & SAFPAC membership requirements, I receive regular professional supervision for my work.