Lao Tzu
Psychotherapy provides you with a space to talk about things which you might not feel able to talk about elsewhere, to feel heard and validated and process thoughts and feelings in order to achieve clarity and peace of mind. It also gives you an opportunity to learn new coping strategies and skills and experiment with new ways of thinking, being and relating which may serve you better.
All these things can help you to feel less stressed and more at peace, increase your sense of confidence in yourself and improve your relationships and wellbeing. Because there is such a strong connection between mind and body, often this also results in a reduction in physical symptoms and improved physical functioning, although this is not something I can guarantee as many other factors will be involved in your particular health condition.
I am an integrative psychotherapist which means that I can work in different ways depending on what might work for you. The basis of the therapy is the relationship itself which means that I endeavour to be experienced by you as a safe and trustworthy person so you feel able to explore whatever you feel you want to with me. I will do my best to listen carefully to you and empathise with your experience. I may offer observations on how I experience you, which can provide you with further insights into your issues.
For some clients, this approach is enough for them to explore their experience, but others find it helpful to be led through experiential or creative exercises which help them to get in touch with what they are thinking, feeling, what bodily sensations they might be experiencing or what impulses they have. These are often things we are unaware of in our busy world and becoming consciously aware of them can bring new information which helps make new choices. Some clients also find it helpful to learn the link between thoughts and beliefs, emotions, bodily sensations and behaviours - for example, how different interpretations of the same situation may lead to completely different emotions and behaviours and how these interpretations may be influenced by unconscious beliefs from childhood.
Some clients also appreciate the opportunity to learn new skills and coping strategies such as ways to deal with anxiety and depression, how to set boundaries with people and be assertive or how to pace their activity more effectively.
As the quote at the top of the page conveys, I am a big believer in empowering clients so they have skills they can take forward themselves when therapy ends.
How we work together will be a collaborative decision between us – I will give my opinion on what I think might help you, but also respect your decision on how you want to work too.
My approach is based on a combination of person-centred theory and skills with insights and interventions drawn from psychodynamic, gestalt, solution-focused and cognitive-behavioural therapies. My approach is underpinned by polyvagal theory which I find really helpful for explaining the mind-body connection.