The Process

The Theoretical

The relationship we have with ourselves is crucial to our happiness and sense of fulfilment, it also dictates how we relate to other people and our loved ones. When we are not well connected to ourselves we can feel like nothing quite satisfies us, through therapy we aim to find a version of ourselves which we are happy with and shake off the hold our past experiences and past relationships have over us.

The therapy I offer focuses on the exploration of ourselves and our relationships: who we are, what we have experienced, what we have survived. The important relationships in our lives, both past and present, impact both positively and negatively how we view ourselves: we understand ourselves through how others behave towards us. It’s important that we take on the negative parts of our past and present, it is natural to want to avoid these things but when we cut them off we also cut off the compassion we could have for ourselves. Inner strength comes from feeling whole, understanding and accepting the good and the bad: our past trauma does not need to define us, but it is also an important part of understanding who we are. Through exploring our past in a safe and nurturing environment we can gain a better understanding of how it may have moulded us for better or for worse. 

Gaining a better understanding of ourselves leads to a better understanding of our emotional states. The better we understand our emotions, and what they are truly a reaction to, the better we can become at regulating them. Ignoring our emotions does not mean they go away, unwanted emotions are like lightning: they will ground themselves somewhere, often expressing themselves in undesirable ways. When we understand where our emotions come from they can be directed more healthily and hopefully the more we understand about where they come from the less they will need to be felt.

The Practical

I work by having an initial session, which is an opportunity for us to meet and discuss you, your past, your present and what has brought you into therapy. Within this session we will discuss fees, the therapeutic frame and the practicalities of our work. We will then have further sessions at an agreed fee, time and place. I tailor my work to the individual so these sessions have no set agenda, they form an opportunity for me to hear from you about your life and you can get a feel for how I work.

I offer long term, open ended therapy on a weekly basis. This means that we do not agree an end date for the therapy, we will continue until a point when you feel you wish to bring our work to a close. I also offer short term therapy over 12 weekly sessions which will have a set and agreed end date. Short term therapy is normally most helpful for a particular issue which you wish to address and tends to be focussed on or around the issue for the duration of the 12 sessions. If you're unsure which type of therapy is going to be most helpful then this is something which we can discuss and agree in our initial sessions.

Normally our sessions will be at the same time on the same day each week and they will last 50 minutes. Our sessions will be confidential and will be held in a private space, if we are working remotely via Zoom you will need to ensure you have access to a private space where you will be undisturbed. 

The content of our sessions is within your control, what we speak about will be decided by you. I do not give advice or guidance, I am there to explore, reflect and be with your emotions.

Should you wish to arrange an initial session with me please see my Contact page.