Therapy

There are so many different ideas and misconceptions out there about what therapy is and so many different types of therapists, counsellors, psychologists, life coaches – how do you decide what’s best for you?

What is a clinical psychologist?

Clinical psychologists undergo extensive specialist training and are often referred to as scientist practitioners. They develop bespoke psychological formulations for each of the clients they work with, helping them make sense of their experiences. Drawing on their knowledge of psychological theory, therapeutic models, research and practice they offer a holisitic approach to problems, taking into account a person’s context, listening attentively and attuning to their clients in an empathic, non-judgemental way.

Most clinical psychologists are trained in a range of different theories and approaches to therapy and draw on these to help make sense of their client’s experiences.

Clinical psychologists work collaboratively with their clients, empowering them to explore, better understand and manage their experiences and relationships.

Clinical psychologists often work in partnership with other professionals and under supervision to ensure they are continually developing their practice and offering the most appropriate interventions. This means that if once we meet we agree that another professional could be helpful to you we may discuss for me to speak to your GP, Health Visitor or other services. I would, however, only do this following discussion with you as confidentiality is essential for us to be able to build a trusting relationship.

What is Therapy?

Psychological therapy or talking therapy is a treatment aimed at relieving emotional distress and mental health difficulties. It refers to a wide range of different therapeutic approaches and every therapist is different but in general therapy sessions are structured meetings between a qualified therapist and a client with the aim of improving some aspect of their life. It can help you deal with a wide range of emotional and relational difficulties such as stress, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, trouble calming down big emotions, relationship difficulties, life transitions, physical health difficulties, bereavement or loss, childhood difficulties, traumatic experiences, etc.

The clients I work with are usually resourceful people who are facing challenges and dilemmas that have left them feeling stuck.

I am experienced in a range of therapies including systemic therapy, narrative therapy, and cognitive behavioural therapy. I draw on these different approaches to offer a therapy tailored to your unique needs and circumstances.

What to expect

If you choose to meet with me, we would initially meet for a 50 minute assessment session. This would give us the chance to get a sense of whether we think we could work well together and for me to learn about you, your background, and your current situation, what brought you and your hopes for therapy. We would then decide together whether further sessions are required and we would like to meet again. Sometimes a few initial meetings are enough to help you move forward and at other times sessions may continue over a longer period of time.

I work in a dynamic and collaborative way – bringing my experience to support you as the expert on your own life. I don’t believe in a ‘one size fits all’ approach to psychological therapy and thus tailor my therapeutic approach to your unique needs and circumstances. My aim is to offer a service with a range of different options to enhance your life, whether through more traditional individual face to face therapy, virtual therapy, more informally as a group, walk and talk sessions in nature or a mixture.