MBACP Psychotherapist and Couple Counsellor

I offer Private Counselling and Psychotherapy Services for these Issues

My Counselling and Psychotherapy Therapeutic Approaches

Gender

Clinical Experience in Counselling and Psychotherapy

What to Expect during Counselling and Psychotherapy

At our first few meetings we will spend some time talking about your concerns and the problems that are currently causing you most concern. I will attempt to answer you questions about how counselling and psychotherapy work and I will then explore with you the ways in which I might be able to help you.

Although my counselling approach is integrative and tailored to the needs of the individual client, I often work from a psychodynamic perspective as it is particularly effective at addressing repeated patterns of self-destructive behaviour and of understanding and developing insights into the underlying dynamics operating in our closest relationships. By helping uncover our unconscious coping behaviours and strategies it can be hugely effective in helping people to make sense of their emotions, their current difficulties, their own past and their relationships both with others and with themselves.

I generally offer an open-ended arrangement, but occasionally a fixed number of sessions are agreed to do some short-term focus based therapy for specific problems. Mostly however, the therapy lasts for as long as the individual or couple feel they want and need it. The ending of the therapy is usually discussed and planned well in advance. My working hours are flexible to fit in with clients' needs

When working with couples my focus is not on placing the blame or responsibility on either individual, but on carefully exploring the interaction between the two people – their communication, behavioural and emotional patterns.

In my work with couples I aim to: 1) increase their understanding and insights about repeated patterns, frustrations or escalating and circular arguments; 2) reduce the power of disappointments and hurts, both past and present, thereby freeing them to discover new ways of relating and listening to one another, and 3) open a way for couples to free themselves from destructive patterns and establish new positive modes of relating and communicating.

Relationship counselling is also of enormous benefit to separating and divorcing couples offering the opportunity to air hurt and angry feelings in a safe and controlled setting, with the aim of making parting as constructive as possible for all parties.

I work in a collaborative way with the aim of creating a safe and supporting space for couples to explore their issues in a non-judgemental and unbiased way. At the centre of my practice is an approach based on acceptance, empathy and understanding with an emphasis on developing a good working alliance that fosters trust. I believe in working rigorously and in partnership with my clients. I also take full account of the real world of the client, including the impact of trauma, cultural difference, sexual orientation, disability and social context. The hope is that our meetings will become a place in which you can express your true feelings and develop your full potential.

Clinical Qualifications in Counselling and Psychotherapy

Additional Information