THERAPY
Counselling can mean different things to different people
If you are looking to solve a specific issue and have urgent concerns about something in particular, then it can be helpful to be able to talk it over with someone who is impartial, open and non judgemental.
If, on the other hand, your reason for seeking counselling is more broad, associated with certain feelings or concerns that are wider in scope and envelope a bigger part in your life then, likewise, you may wish to have a space where you can openly explore how you feel, safe in the knowledge that the person listening to you has your best interests at heart and will help and guide you to develop a better understanding of yourself and your emotions and support you in finding the strength to make choices that perhaps previously felt impossible to.
As a counselling psychologist my approach to therapy is firmly rooted in the philosophical realms of humanism, existentialism and phenomenology, which means that in therapy with me we will focus on and look at your own unique and personal experience and how you have come to find yourself where you are- right now. As I work integratively I may also borrow from other modalities in order to support you on your therapeutic journey.
My personality lends itself to a more active setting in which we will engage in an open dialogue where I tend to reflect, attentively listen and actively engage with whatever you bring.
Why Now?
This is the first question I tend to ask new clients who seek me out. I feel that this very simple question can often kickstart the therapeutic process and bring a focus to what you are wanting to work on, although you may find that the reason you initially sought counselling for may shift as we develop our therapeutic relationship.
Issues you may wish to discuss in therapy
Relationships and intimacy
Sexuality, gender identity
Self-esteem
Sadness and depression
Anxiety, fear or a general unease around existence
Anger, mood swings
Loneliness and isolation
Stress and burn-out, career issues or academic stress, performance anxiety
Issues with eating, weight or body image
Self- harm
Suicidal thoughts or ideation
I believe that through finding a better understanding of yourself, getting a sense of how you exist and relate to others, you will be able to enhance existing and build healthy relationships in the future.
Together we will work to discover new ways of relating and raise awareness to the possibility of change, choice and taking responsibility for your actions and we will look at ways that help you identify and challenge the difficulties you have experienced.
Individual Therapy
Sometimes it may be useful to have an outside perspective to help navigate relationships. Having the assistance of a third person to deconstruct dynamics within a relationship can be a big support.
With the help of an impartial outside view into a relationship the individuals within it may gain a better understanding of how to better communicate, listen and articulate needs clearly and openly.
Relationship Therapy
EMDR Therapy
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a highly effective psychotherapy approach used to treat individuals struggling with trauma and distressing memories. This therapy, developed by Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s, involves a structured eight-phase process where patients recall distressing experiences while simultaneously focusing on external stimuli, typically guided by the therapist's hand movements. The combination of cognitive processing and bilateral stimulation helps reprocess traumatic memories, reducing their emotional charge and enabling individuals to heal and regain emotional stability. EMDR has gained widespread recognition for its ability to alleviate the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and various other mental health conditions, offering hope and healing to those who have experienced trauma.
As a qualified EMDR therapist I work with both single and complex traumatic events, and with individuals who suffer from primary traumatic disorders.
Group therapy is a form of psychotherapy where a small group of individuals, led by a trained therapist, come together to discuss and explore their personal challenges and experiences in a supportive and confidential setting. It provides an opportunity for members to share their thoughts, emotions, and struggles, while also receiving feedback, encouragement, and perspectives from others who may have similar issues.
Being part of a group can be a powerful experience as relationship dynamics often are played out in real time. Within the safe therapeutic group setting, individuals have the opportunity to identify, understand and process their behaviour and feelings.
While it is not necessary to have individual therapy alongside group therapy, I would encourage a few individual sessions before joining an existing group.