WHO IS THERAPY FOR?
And when?
Many people attend therapy and for many different reasons. You may be experiencing difficulties in a relationship? You may be unsure of the direction of your career or in another commitment? It may also not be that clear to you, why you feel uneasy or dissatisfied and unable to move forward? You may feel at a crisis point or you may not?
You may be suffering from specific problems such as chronic depression, anxiety or persistent anger? Or perhaps have been diagnosed with a physical or mental illness and require more supportive or structured care?
You may decide to embark on time limited as opposed to open ended work? You may be unsure what would be best for you?
Attending therapy is a challenge and it is a place where solutions are not necessarily initially apparent. Doubt and uncertainty in regard to your circumstance will most likely be reflected in our work together however what therapy provides is a unique atmosphere where your internal world can be thought about safely - without fear of judgement and in confidence.
There is no definitive reason for seeking this unique experience and one could argue there are very few relationships that reflect a therapeutic one.
I retain experience and hold particular understanding in these areas:
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Depression
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Anxiety
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Relationship difficulties
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Personality disorders
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Trauma
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Low self-esteem
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Stress
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Bereavement
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Sexuality issues
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Domestic violence
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Loneliness and isolation
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Childhood sexual abuse
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Eating disorders
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Addictions
I am particularly interested in understanding the impact and mechanisms of anxiety and it's influence on relationships, especially for those in abusive and/or co-dependent relationships. I am also interested in how this position impacts ones sense of meaning and ability to maintain a set of values.
Typically I don't see individuals requiring acute psychiatric care or who are actively suicidal, in my private practice.
HOW CAN THERAPY HELP?
An overview
We all struggle with our emotional world, understanding ourselves and how we relate to others. This complex process of gaining insight begins in utero and develops as a process throughout life.
We tend to make sense of ourselves in relation to those we are close to and for this reason relationship patterns established in childhood play a crucial role in how we develop as people and how we make sense of the thoughts and feelings we experience as we move through life
Personalities are also dynamic by nature - we all have hopes and expectations. Sometimes we want to be close to others and sometimes we want to defend ourselves against our experience of others.
We also all experience times when we feel less in touch with reality. Often this occurs when we are stressed, disconnected or lonely, or suffering low mood. On occasion our overall sense of ourselves can be ruptured and breakdown. This can be due to a new experience, a new perspective, a life event or stage of life.
I work psychodynamically. I focus on relationship dynamics, unconscious experience and processes, developmental history and what occurs between the two of us in the room. Psychotherapy can therefore, be challenging and involves self reflection to identify patterns of relating. It can also be hugely rewarding and in some instances life changing, in offering greater self awareness; improving relationships and life experiences.
Our work would include a short period of gaining some insight into your particular difficulties, background and circumstances. We would then work together to understand the dynamics behind these experiences, in the present and from the past. How it is that you are suffering and what might be preventing you being relieved of this pain, in your internal world.
Psychodynamic theory is widely regarded as integral too many, if not most, counselling modalities. Contemporary theories focus on unconscious processes and predominantly on relational aspects of the human condition but also pay attention to structural theories of the mind. Lived experience is important in formulation, alongside experience of the therapeutic relationship. .
Below are some links to useful information about Psychodynamic approaches.
HOW WE BEGIN
Psychotherapy for individuals
During our initial consultation we would aim to establish the goals of our work together and agree a day and time for us to meet on a weekly basis. This time will be yours, for the duration of our work together.
This space would be strictly confidential in nature. I will however ask you for some specific details about yourself such as your address, email and GP contact.
We would agree on the fee for the work and on how we approach breaks and absences. (We would also aim to review our work periodically.)
From this point forward the work would involve you bringing to each session whatever thoughts and feelings you wish to bring. I will listen and think with you about this material and gradually we will begin to draw a picture of your internal world and think together about how to adapt and/or develop it.