About therapy
Therapy takes place in a private and confidential setting, and is an interactive and collaborative process between client/patient and therapist. This process is suitable for anyone who wishes to develop greater self-awareness and understanding of themselves, and their relationships with others.The psychodynamic approach is based on the idea that often, unconsciously, we recreate patterns from the past in our current relationships both with other people and towards ourselves. Such thoughts, feelings and behaviour are deep rooted, and can be, at times, unhelpful and destructive.
In our work together I aim to listen very carefully to you, in order that we may explore and try to understand the less conscious aspects of your thoughts, feelings and behaviour, which may be contributing to the suffering and distress you are experiencing. I believe that gaining insight into the nature of underlying emotional conflicts can bring both relief, but also opens up the possibility of changing these patterns, which were previously repeated without awareness.
People from all walks of life seek therapy for many different issues. Sometimes there is a very specific reason, but in other cases the immediate cause of distress is less apparent. Counselling tends to focus on a recent onset problem, and therefore, is usually of short term duration. Psychotherapy, on the other hand, may help with more deep-seated psychological difficulties, which have built up over a long period of time, often from childhood. Chronic and difficult problems, because of their complexity and long-standing nature, generally require greater time to disentangle and work through. I have undertaken rigorous and thorough clinical trainings in counselling and psychotherapy, and provide both approaches in my private practice.
Beginning therapy
It is not uncommon to feel hesitant or unsure about seeking help. In our preliminary session(s) there is an opportunity for us to meet each other and explore whether therapy might be helpful to you. There is no commitment to ongoing work at this stage.If however, you decide you would like to continue, we would agree regular days and times to meet on an ongoing basis. The establishment of regular sessions is important in order to facilitate, and give momentum to, the therapeutic process. Most people find that regular contact provides a sense of security and continuity whilst they are working on their emotional difficulties.
