MY APPROACH

I bring together a unique combination of therapy approaches which allows me to adapt to my clients’ needs as therapy progresses. The foundation of my approach is a non-judgemental, supportive attitude, where we are curious together to understand what is going on for you, and we work collaboratively to find a way forward. You will not experience a ‘blank slate’: I believe that warmth and humour have an important place in the therapy room. 

MY APPROACH

The approaches I am trained in are: 

  • Psychodynamic. This helps you to understand ‘the presenting past’ - to explore how past experiences and unconscious patterns shape your current thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. It also helps you to identify relationship patterns, to understand, to resolve deeper emotional issues, and to move forward.

  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. CBT helps you to identify and challenge negative thoughts and behaviours, understand what triggers you and why, and learn practical skills to manage your emotions and tackle everyday challenges.

  • Person-Centred. This provides a non-judgemental, supportive space where to explore your feelings. This approach is the bedrock of my practice, and is collaborative: we are curious together about what might be happening, and why.

  • Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reintegration: EMDR is a cutting edge, evidence-based therapy endorsed by the World Health Organisation, the NHS, and the National Institute for Clinical Excellence. It works to reprocess unresolved experiences from the past which may be causing strong reactions in the present, meaning that people are less easily triggered by specific situations. EMDR is effective for many issues including PTSD, complex trauma, anxiety, phobias, and relationship problems.

WHICH APPROACH IS BEST FOR ME?

If we decide to work together, we would usually have some sessions understanding the lay of the land: what is going on for you, and what you would like to change. After 2-3 sessions, I will suggest the approach which I think will be most helpful, and check that you are happy with that.

HOW LONG DOES THERAPY TAKE?

I work short-term and long-term, and it is helpful for me to know whether you have a timescale in mind when we start so that we work out some realistic goals for that timeframe. We’ll review progress together and adjust as needed.

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

  • I am BACP-Accredited, which means that I have met my professional body’s higher standard as a competent, ethical and independent practitioner. I adhere to the BACP’s ethical codes and training and supervision requirements. 

  • Qualified EMDR practitioner. EMDR Parts 1, 2 & 3, Richman Accredited EMDR training.I am a member of EMDR UK, the EMDR membership association.

  • I hold an MA in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy from the University of Roehampton.

  • I am fully insured and I have an enhanced DBS.

  • Alongside my private practice, I have worked at the Priory, Woking with complex mental health issues, and at a local hospice with people who were bereaved, carers, or those facing the end of their lives.