What is therapy?
Therapy provides a space to untangle emotions, ask questions and to be heard.
Many years in the field has solidified my belief in the transformative power of therapy whether it be through the imaginative avenues of play, creative strokes of art or dynamic interaction and traditional techniques. While every person’s journey is unique, the underlying need for understanding, compassion and guidance remains universal.
In my practice, every young person is met with a tailored approach, ensuring that their individual needs are met with care and expertise. Together we create a space were growth, healing and understanding are central.
“In a world where children and young people are constantly absorbing, interpreting, reacting and responding, therapy offers a haven.”
How therapy can help you
It’s a safe place where we work together to overcome feelings of being stuck, anxiety, crisis. It may be because a specific thing has happened or is happening or it may be that you are fed up with feeling fed up, frustrated, exhausted, angry, sad.
Together we develop strategies and tools to help overcome the difficulties, make sense of it all and probably make some changes. For therapy to be effective, a person must be able to disclose their thoughts, feelings, experiences and behaviour without fear of judgement. It’s my job to facilitate the foundations for us to create a safe space where this can happen.
Therapy is not a ‘quick fix’; I’m not an expert with all the answers – it’s something we figure out together. I do provide a confidential space where we can talk or use the art materials I provide. Sometimes if helps to express ourselves and make mess. Sometimes it helps to have a distraction when talking. It’s definitely not about being good at art! it is about being open to being vulnerable
Philosophy
Fundamentally my work is informed by attachment theory which emphasises early childhood experiences.
I am influenced by two broad strands of therapeutic influence – the Person Centered and Psychoanalytic – which are brought together in the here and now of our sessions.
Elements of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Solution Focussed therapy are applied where appropriate.
- Depression
- Abuse
- Bereavement
- PTSD
- Trauma
- Anger Management
- Self Esteem
- Identity & Values
- Confidence
- Anxiety
- ADD/ADHD/ASD
- Self Harm
- Suicide Ideation
- Eating disorders
- Obsessions
- Addiction
Therapeutic approach
The Person-Centered Approach is built on the belief that individuals of all ages possess an inherent drive towards self-actualization and growth. Given the appropriate conditions, including empathy and support, they can progress towards realizing their full potential and authentic selves.
The Psychoanalytic Approach rests more (though not exclusively) on the assumption that during our lifetime, internal conflicts arise in the course of our development, relating to the frustration of wishes and desires in our family or environment.
Cognitive Behaviour Theory (CBT) though I don’t formally practice CBT, human functioning is influenced by the interplay of positive and negative experiences that either encourage or deter the direction of behaviour. Principles of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) are a growing part of my practice.
How to get started
To begin with we will have a free half hour session on the phone or on zoom where we can decide if we would like to work together.
Every situation is different and it can help if we have a referral & assessment session. Sometimes it can help to have a preliminary meeting with a Parent/Carer so I can best understand what past and current circumstances are in order to move forward.
If you are 18+ you are an adult and no parental permissions or involvement is necessary or required, though it can be desirable.
Locations
- West London; Hammersmith, Chiswick, Ealing, Central London
- South West; Salisbury, Bath, Marlborough.