My Approach

I'm a UKCP and BACP registered Integrative Psychotherapist based in Walthamstow (E17) and Woodford Green (IG8).

I can help you work through a range of problems you may be experiencing. I find that people generally seek help regarding the following:

Addressing problems with relationships (family/romantic/friendships etc)

Issues around identity and belonging (typically issues around sexuality, social identity and so on).

Dealing with work dissatisfaction and stress.

Experiences of loss such as bereavement, life transitions, changes in health, and the loss of meaning that can result.

Repetitive destructive behaviours such as addictions, self-harm, phobias or obsessions.

Understanding a diagnosis or suspected diagnosis such as ADHD, autism or personality disorder.

Issues relating to intimacy and sex in relationships such as questions around sexuality, loss of libido and so on.

I understand things like anxiety, depression and stress as stemming from the categories of experience above.

How I work

A central part of my practice is careful listening. My aim is to help you feel safe and supported, enough that you are then able to explore what is troubling you.

Therapy can be simply a place where I can listen to you, confidentially and non-judgementally. This alone can bring relief. However, I believe that therapy is more than this. It can also allow you to make positive changes to your life, so that you feel more fulfilled. This happens through identifying and disentangling patterns which are holding you back, such that you are more self-aware and able to make more decisions as to how to live your life.

Next steps

The first step is to contact me via the link above and we can arrange to meet. An initial consultation last 50 minutes and costs £60 . If we decide to start working together then we can agree a weekly fee based on your circumstances. If you have any questions about me or how I work I am happy to answer those prior to booking an initial consultation - I offer a free 20 minute zoom call for this purpose. If you want to read more about my practice please visit my website  (jonathanpollard.co.uk). I look forward to meeting you soon.
If you have a specific interest in my theoretical approach:

I describe myself as an integrative therapist.

The word ‘integrative’ is used to describe the integration of different strands. Broadly these are existential, psychodynamic and relational. I am interested in the existential - how the difficulties of existing as a human in this world affect you, and how you might adapt to deal with them. I also might consider how relationships (particularly early on in life) have formed your character, and may unconsciously influence the thoughts you have and choices you make. I also believe that as humans we want to belong, and that often this need is thwarted by difficulties in relationships. Therefore a big part of my work is to establish a good working relationship with you. In the words of Irvin Yalom, ‘it’s the relationship that heals.’

About Me

I am an advocate of talking therapy as having the power to transform through making change, rather than trying to be ok with things as they are. Therapy gives you new insight into how you exist in relation to others and to yourself, such that you are better equipped to know how to live a more fulfilling life.

I have an interest in what it is to not feel ‘normal’. Many people struggle with wanting to be part of ‘normality’, yet in doing so lose faith in what it is that makes them who they are.

I find myself drawn to movement and physicality - I see the physical and mental as inseparable from one another. I’m interested in the growing field of research that looks at the impact of trauma on minds and bodies. Failure to address this can impair our ability to engage with and enjoy being in the world.

I work with

• Individuals

Special Interests

Like all UKCP registered psychotherapists and psychotherapeutic counsellors I can work with a wide range of issues, but here are some areas in which I have a special interest or additional experience.

Types of Therapies Offered

• Integrative Psychotherapist

What I can help with

• Abuse
• Addiction
• ADHD
• Adoption
• Anger Management
• Anxiety
• Bereavement
• Bullying
• Couple Issues
• Cultural Issues
• Depression
• Disability
• Divorce
• Employment Difficulties
• Family
• Gender
• Health-related Issues
• Identity Problems
• Infertility
• Mental Health Issues
• Obsessions
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
• Online Counselling
• Parents
• Phobias
• Physical Abuse
• Post-Traumatic Stress
• Prescribed Drug Dependence
• Private Practice Issues
• Race Issues
• Relationships
• Separation
• Sex Problems
• Sexual Abuse
• Sexuality
• Spirituality
• Step Families
• Stress
• Suicide
• Terminal Illness
• Trauma
• Workplace Counselling