Reconnecting with our internal resources
Welcome. I am an accredited psychotherapist with over 10 years' experience of both professional and personal development in the field.
The way I work with clients is tailored to the individual whilst drawing on key concepts from Formative Psychology® and (Interpersonal) Neurobiology (see more in 'Resources' section). These ways of working draw on how we now understand our shared biological make-up as mammals - we are evolved to survive and have very sophisticated mechanisms in the brain and rest of the body to do so. (You will likely have heard of the terms 'fight, flight and freeze'.)
When these protective ways of responding are triggered too often or very strongly in us, and we don't spend enough time in a restorative state, we can end up feeling a wide variety of distress and discomfort - for example, anxiety and depression symptoms, rage and uncontrolled anger, shame, hopelessness, difficulty entering into or maintaining satisfying relationships, self-harming and suicidal thoughts, addictions, obsessive-compulsive patterns and procrastination, to name just a few. Trauma is also related to our protective mechanisms being overtaxed. Symptoms of this can include intrusive thoughts, nightmares, reliving past experiences strongly in the present moment, and unexplained anxiety and depression. Because of this universal protective system in the body, trauma can be experienced by anyone. It is not a sign of weakness, but can usefully be viewed as a sign that we need to attend to something within ourselves in order to feel whole and healthy again. Post-traumatic growth is possible.
I work on a way which views our experiences not as signs of illness/pathology but as our system's attempts to help us cope in some way. Once we tap into this, we connect with a great depth of resource within us allowing us to heal, feel more settled in ourselves and develop our capacity to influence our state and experiences moving forwards. I often work in what is called a "bottom-up" way - this means that we pay attention to how we are organising ourselves in our bodies, and work with this in a particular way, as well as noting what is going on in our thoughts and emotions. This approach helps us heal from past challenging events, change our neural pathways, and with practice we can find greater ease and ability to cope, without having to consciously remind ourselves continually.
Research also shows that supportive relationships are key catalysts in helping to relate to ourselves in this way - we'll talk about how we can make our therapeutic relationship as useful as possible to you, and also what other resources you have or can develop to support you along the way.
With this in mind, I offer you the following:
The way I work with clients is tailored to the individual whilst drawing on key concepts from Formative Psychology® and (Interpersonal) Neurobiology (see more in 'Resources' section). These ways of working draw on how we now understand our shared biological make-up as mammals - we are evolved to survive and have very sophisticated mechanisms in the brain and rest of the body to do so. (You will likely have heard of the terms 'fight, flight and freeze'.)
When these protective ways of responding are triggered too often or very strongly in us, and we don't spend enough time in a restorative state, we can end up feeling a wide variety of distress and discomfort - for example, anxiety and depression symptoms, rage and uncontrolled anger, shame, hopelessness, difficulty entering into or maintaining satisfying relationships, self-harming and suicidal thoughts, addictions, obsessive-compulsive patterns and procrastination, to name just a few. Trauma is also related to our protective mechanisms being overtaxed. Symptoms of this can include intrusive thoughts, nightmares, reliving past experiences strongly in the present moment, and unexplained anxiety and depression. Because of this universal protective system in the body, trauma can be experienced by anyone. It is not a sign of weakness, but can usefully be viewed as a sign that we need to attend to something within ourselves in order to feel whole and healthy again. Post-traumatic growth is possible.
I work on a way which views our experiences not as signs of illness/pathology but as our system's attempts to help us cope in some way. Once we tap into this, we connect with a great depth of resource within us allowing us to heal, feel more settled in ourselves and develop our capacity to influence our state and experiences moving forwards. I often work in what is called a "bottom-up" way - this means that we pay attention to how we are organising ourselves in our bodies, and work with this in a particular way, as well as noting what is going on in our thoughts and emotions. This approach helps us heal from past challenging events, change our neural pathways, and with practice we can find greater ease and ability to cope, without having to consciously remind ourselves continually.
Research also shows that supportive relationships are key catalysts in helping to relate to ourselves in this way - we'll talk about how we can make our therapeutic relationship as useful as possible to you, and also what other resources you have or can develop to support you along the way.
With this in mind, I offer you the following:
- A regular, dedicated and confidential time and place in which we will explore together the issues that matter to you, and the changes you wish to make
- An honest and supportive relationship within which you have the opportunity to learn more about yourself and how you relate to others
- A therapy service which adheres to strict codes of ethics, in a comfortable environment
I realise that coming to therapy may be quite a daunting thing to do. You may worry that you won’t be able to talk about what’s bothering you, or perhaps that others may judge you if they find out you have contacted a therapist. It may be comforting to know you’re not alone – counselling is becoming a much more common source of support, with some studies showing 1 in 5 people in the UK have consulted a therapist. Find out more about what to expect below.
What will happen when you first contact me?
When we first make contact, it will be useful to have a quick chat in order to know briefly what you are seeking support for. I can offer a 15 minute phone call free of charge if you would like to, prior to meeting.
If you call and I am unable to pick up the phone, please leave a message and I will respond as soon as possible (within 24 hours on week days). If you decide you would like to meet in person following this, we will arrange an introductory appointment.
Meeting initially is also a good opportunity for you to see how it feels to talk to someone about what you're going through, and to get a sense of whether or not you feel ready to do this.
If you call and I am unable to pick up the phone, please leave a message and I will respond as soon as possible (within 24 hours on week days). If you decide you would like to meet in person following this, we will arrange an introductory appointment.
Meeting initially is also a good opportunity for you to see how it feels to talk to someone about what you're going through, and to get a sense of whether or not you feel ready to do this.
How long will our work together last?
I can offer you a shorter number of sessions or an open-ended arrangement. We will discuss how long you would like to work together for and regularly review our sessions to ensure they are meeting your needs.
For example, we could work together for a period of 6 sessions, establishing some ways of increasing your internal awareness and tools to manage certain situations. In order to really establish these, we might agree that you practice them between our sessions; we will then review them together so you can take them forwards after we finish. You might alternatively prefer to work over a longer period of time to gain support through a difficult life change like a relationship break-up, or to explore some painful past experiences which are still affecting you and with which you'd like to make peace.
In order to develop some continuity and consistency in your experience of the therapy, I usually undertake sessions on a weekly basis. Whatever we establish, to get the most out of therapy it is important that sessions are attended regularly. I have a cancellation policy which I will explain when we speak.
For example, we could work together for a period of 6 sessions, establishing some ways of increasing your internal awareness and tools to manage certain situations. In order to really establish these, we might agree that you practice them between our sessions; we will then review them together so you can take them forwards after we finish. You might alternatively prefer to work over a longer period of time to gain support through a difficult life change like a relationship break-up, or to explore some painful past experiences which are still affecting you and with which you'd like to make peace.
In order to develop some continuity and consistency in your experience of the therapy, I usually undertake sessions on a weekly basis. Whatever we establish, to get the most out of therapy it is important that sessions are attended regularly. I have a cancellation policy which I will explain when we speak.
