About Counselling and Psychotherapy
I offer individual psychodynamic counselling and psychotherapy, with sessions available once, twice or several times a week, depending on your needs and the nature of the work.
Sessions usually take place using a traditional therapeutic couch, which can provide a different way of experiencing and exploring your thoughts, feelings and relationships.
A psychodynamic approach recognises that we all have ways of feeling, thinking and behaving that are not always within our conscious awareness. In other words, we have an unconscious.
Our unconscious can influence how we feel and behave, the patterns we repeat, and the ways we relate to others. These patterns can have their roots in our past experiences and relationships, sometimes in ways that are difficult to recognise in the present.
Therapy offers an opportunity to explore how the past may be present in your current life — including, when helpful, reflecting on early experiences and childhood relationships — and to develop a deeper understanding of yourself and the ways you relate to others.
This process can support personal development and a greater sense of integration — bringing together the emotional, mental, physical and spiritual aspects of ourselves, in whatever way spirituality or a sense of meaning holds significance for you.
Working with the couch
Choosing to use the couch can support the process of free association — allowing you to say whatever comes into your mind, without having to think about what you are going to say or maintain eye contact.
The couch also creates a different kind of space from everyday conversation. By stepping away from some of the usual social expectations of face-to-face interaction, you may find it easier to turn your attention inwards and become more immersed in the therapeutic process.
For some people, lying on the couch can feel relaxing and can reduce self-consciousness, making it easier to notice thoughts, feelings, memories and associations as they arise. For others, it may take some time to become comfortable with the experience. We can talk together about what feels right for you.
What this work supports
Psychodynamic psychotherapy offers an opportunity to explore the deeper patterns underlying the difficulties you may be experiencing, and to develop a greater understanding of yourself, your relationships and the ways you respond to life.
I work with people experiencing a wide range of difficulties and life experiences, including:
- Depression and anxiety
- Work–life balance and work-related stress
- Bereavement and loss
- Relationship difficulties
- Chronic pain and illness, including life-limiting illness
- Trauma and the impact of sexual abuse
- Boarding school experiences
- Becoming a parent
- Changing careers
- Loss of meaning and purpose
- Questions around identity and sexuality
- Burnout and exhaustion
- Personal growth and periods of significant change
- Trainee and practising therapists exploring their own personal or professional development
Whatever brings you to therapy, we can take time to understand your experience and explore the patterns, feelings and relationships that may be shaping your life.
My approach is grounded in respect, curiosity and a deep commitment to helping you develop a greater understanding of yourself and your capacity to live more fully, with greater wellbeing and vitality.
I abide by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) Ethical Framework.
Fees
My current fee is £80 per session.
“The unconscious is not a problem to be solved but a life to be lived.”
— Christopher Bollas
Starting therapy is a big step. If you’d like to take things further, or simply have some questions about how I work, you are very welcome to get in touch.
