Starting therapy

I am trained in Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, which underpins my theoretical framework, but I also draw on some techniques from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and the Dual Process Model, which is a way of working specifically with bereavement.

Working in a psychodynamic way means looking at your life through a deeper lens. Often, it will mean taking a closer look at your early relationships and experiences as these serve as a blueprint for our adult life. It’s about finding the hidden meaning and making connections where you might not have looked before because they were too difficult to think about at the time. Often, these thoughts and feelings will show up in different ways that might leave you feeling anxious or depressed, angry, or missing direction in your life, or your relationships might feel strained and difficult to manage.

I’m not a traditional, silent psychotherapist. I am interactive and will offer up interpretations that are designed to give you some insight and space to think about yourself on a deeper level. I believe the therapeutic relationship is important to the outcome of therapy, as it creates the catalyst for change. 

Together, we will explore your thoughts and feelings, looking at behaviour patterns, and creating links between your present difficulties and past experiences.  It’s a reflective space for you to think openly and honestly about your internal world.

To get the most out of therapy, it can be beneficial to lean into it; to be creative by playing with your thoughts and feelings in a way that helps you explore your inner world. The benefits of therapy are different for each person, but my aim is to provide you with the opportunities to grow into being a version of yourself that feels more authentic and fulfilled.

There are emotional and practical benefits to virtual therapy. Practically, it’s - generally - easier to fit into your day, saves on travel expenses, and it bridges the gap for anyone who might struggle with in-person social interaction; it’s also ideal for people who travel around a lot for work, both internationally and domestically within the UK. Emotionally, virtually therapy can be easier for some people to open up on.

After you’ve made contact, I will schedule an initial assessment session that lasts approximately 1 hour. This is a series of questions that go into more depth about your difficulties. It’s a chance for me to see how I can help you and for you to see if you want to work with me. If you decide to continue, we will begin weekly 50-minute sessions. The majority of people often feel nervous and awkward at first, but as you settle into the sessions, that begins to slip away.

If you are unsure about how you want to proceed, I usually recommend starting with a minimum of 12 sessions - there’s always room to extend further if you wish. This is an ideal number that gives you time to settle into therapy and to begin making some changes on a deeper level.

If you have any reservations, you‘re welcome to request a free 20-minute phone call to discuss your needs further.