I endeavour to create a warm and comfortable environment, where you feel able to talk about whatever is on your mind and troubling you. My aim is to provide a safe, confidential and non-judgemental relationship, in which, together we can explore and reflect on the matters most prominent in your thinking. This is likely to involve how you are feeling, anxious thoughts, past experiences, troubling relationships and areas of life where you feel stuck and would like to make changes. I will be lead by the issues you bring and sensitive to the pace in which you would like to address things.
I feel it is important to look back and work out what has lead to you wanting support at this time. I will help you identify unhelpful patterns of behaviour and develop more healthy ways of dealing with your issues. I am also aware of unconscious processes, so I will also be thinking about what has gone on in your past to contribute to where you are today. The counselling aims to increase your self-awareness by gaining insights into your inner world and relationships with others. We will work together to explore your thoughts and feelings and try to make sense of them and find a way forward.
My work is underpinned by my sound theoretical training and depth and breadth of work experiences.
I understand that it may feel difficult to make that first contact and I am happy to speak on the phone or via email to help you decide whether you would feel comfortable to set up an initial meeting.
I am a fully qualified psychodynamic psychotherapist having completed a Masters in Psychodynamic counselling from Birkbeck College (University of London) in 2010. After my initial training I gained valuable experiences by working in a number of settings; a secondary care unit for the NHS, the voluntary sector, a secondary school, an affiliate counsellor (for Health Assured Ltd), private practise and also as a Specialist Mentor (NMH Provider) for a University student. This has given me experience of dealing with the everyday issues anyone of us can face alongside the more entrenched problems needing NHS treatments. I have worked once weekly using a number of models, including open-ended and time-limited (solution-focused). Working in secondary care for the NHS exposed me to complex presentations and the ability to recognize and work with a range of issues. I am also trained in Assessment work and able to provide an insightful, sensitive and comprehensive report of an individual’s mental health/issues and suitability for counselling.
In 2013 I supplemented my skills by undertaking an eighteen month training at the Maudsley Hospital learning to deliver 'mentalization-based' therapy. This therapy addresses both the cognitive and emotional aspects of a person's presenting issues. I have found it particularly useful in my work where issues are overwhelming and thinking has become difficult. This method helps to make sense of a persons struggles as it provides a structure for the mind and also strengthens the capacity to think (mentalize).
I am also a qualified Supervisor and work both privately and on a degree course, having gained a Certificate in Supervision from the SAP.
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