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BACP British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy
BACP British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy

Counselling & Psychotherapy

Calming, Curious & Confidential. 

In London & online. 

"A hallmark of psychodynamic psychotherapy & counselling, is the attention given to addressing the root causes of emotional problems."

Research consistently demonstrates that psychotherapy can be highly effective with approximately 75% of people showing some improved emotional and psychological benefit (APA) .

"A strong therapeutic relationship is often described as the "bedrock" of successful treatment."

"2026 research results consistently indicate that online therapy is as effective as in-person therapy for treating common mental health conditions, particulalry depression, anxiety and PTSD." 

(Psych Today)

CHOOSING A THERAPIST

"2026 research result consistently indicate that online therapy is as effective as in-person therapy for treating common mental health conditions, particulalry depression, anxiety and PTSD." 

CHOOSING A THERAPIST

(Psych Today)

  • We all wrestle with meeting our needs in the real world, however this inevitably means overcoming obstacles - both external and internal (emotional) ones.

     

    The nature of technological development, capitalism and cultural change, means that solutions to problems are now solicited with little thought given to the landscape from which these problems arise. While it might seem tempting to grab for 'sticking plaster' solutions, our approach will be rather to seek enduing repair that, can only be discovered through meaningful understanding. 

    I have been working in the area of mental health for many years. Moving from the voluntary sector, then into training and over an extended period of time. I am confident that my experience can support most people and help them find the life that they want. 

  • The terms counselling & psychotherapy are broadly interchangeable. Counselling perhaps leans towards problem-solving and the latter more of a journey; the boundaries however are fluid.​ Both have evolved over recent years to meet the needs of a more informed, tech-savvy society.

    Contemporary counselling and psychotherapy is generally a relational experience. While confidential, non-judgemental, supportive and professional, there is now an active relational process that takes shape. We all bring something different to an encounter, so the work moulds and shapes itself to fit the needs of each individual.​

  • In simple terms, therapy offers an opportunity to speak freely. To experience yourself in conversation with someone who can actively listen to what is spoken and to notice what is not. You may find yourself speaking when previously have remained silent and thinking thoughts that may have never crossed your mind.

     

    Psychotherapy is a unique experience around which a relationship develops and where hopes and expectations invite change, toward an outcome neither party can quite foresee. Therapy is often referred to as 'work' by those who practice it, as therapeutic relationships require intention, commitment, thoughtfulness and time.​​ Opportunities for change appear, as blind spots in our thinking are carefully highlighted, within the body of what we can hold together as patient and therapist.

  • Research from 2025 demonstrated that between 88-91% of respondents would prefer a longer course of therapy that addresses the "root causes" over quicker, symptom relief, interventions.  (Ref. BACP)

    Psychodynamic psychotherapy is a long established and well researched approach which links present experience with past events, relationships & ways of coping. On adjusting to new perspectives and understanding, meaningful and lasting change can occur.

    Psychodynamic approaches have shown particular efficacy in treating complex emotional disorders and personality disorders. (Ref. Journal of psychiatry, NIH, Science Direct)

    ​​

    It is worth noting that clinical terms or phrases have become attached to particular behaviours or traits; this can be helpful. For example, anxiousness, obsessiveness, hyperactivity or depression. These terms attempt to offer meaning for what we experience, however behind the symptoms or diagnosis is a complex and unique individual with thoughts, feelings and memories...

  • Searching for the right help can feel bewildering, especially when something is wrong and you're feeling unsettled. After all, we rarely seek out support just for the sake of it. You’ve likely been struggling for a while, living with an uncomfortable feeling but something has now tipped the scale.

     

    Meaningful therapy has a purpose. It’s aim is to relieve you of your pain. Finding a relationship where you feel trusting enough to speak freely, usuually brings enormous relief and overtime, can be transformative. To experience yourself connected and in deep conversation, expressing feelings you might otherwise avoid sharing. Feelings that have hitherto been silenced, ignored, minimised or negated.

TYPES OF PROBLEMS

PSYCHOTHERAPY PROCESS

"As with most interventions, there is a cost. Not simply in time, money and attention, but also in expriencing the inevitable loss of 'a way of coping', the pull of which, while familiar and relaible has nonetheless become painful and disruptive."

  • Assessment  - During the first few sessions I will be asking some direct questions. Mainly concerning your present circumstances and about your history. I will be attempting to build a picture of your life which together we can work with. 

    Initially, I will take some notes and develop an evaluation of the problems you'd like to work on. 

  • Agreement - At the same time we will begin to establish some goals and consider how long we think working on these goals might take us?

     

    It may be that we choose to work on a specific concern and agree a contract term. Or if the issue is more deep rooted, we might agree to see what develops over an undefined number of sessions (open-ended). 

  • Building a rapport - Over this initial period we will hopefully develop a rapport  (or what therpaists calll, a working allaince) . Gradually we should begin to form an understanding of how we work together as individuals and as a pair. 

    During this period I might remark on what you choose to talk about and how you understand me, in this conxtext. That is to say, I might notice what you bring to me specifically and make suggestions as to what this "way of being" with me, might be about?

  • The work begins - As we move together through the process - week by week - and as any initial anxieties about the therapy settle, we can begin to consider how (without the presenting issue) life could be different and how this process of change might occur. 

VERIFIED BY:

WHAT IS THE AIM?

Knowing ourselves

Psychotherapy is about knowing ourselves more deeply so that we can live our lives with greater freedom and flexibility, instead of being ruled by past experiences and in ways we don't fully understand. Meaningful psychotherapy has a purpose. It’s aim is enduring relief of your pain. 

PSYCHODYNAMIC COUNSELLING & PSYCHOTHERAPY

The Psychodynamic model

Psychodynamic psychotherapy is about exploring those aspects of self that are not fully known, especially as they are revealed and potentially influenced in the psychotherapy relationship. New definition. Jonathan Shelder (2025)


Academic papers demonstrating the effectiveness of Psychodynamic Theory
David J. Roseborough. (2005).

Jessica Yakeley & Peter Hobson. (2018)
Falk Leichsenring, et al. (2017).
Peter Fonagy (2015).
Jonathan Shedler (2010).
Christiane Steinert, et al. (2010).
Stephen Briggs, et al. (2017).
Falk Leichsenring, et al. (2013).

Mark Leonard Solms (2018

THOUGHTS..

BOOKINGS & ENQUIRIES

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