My Approach

I have more than 24 years of experience as a counsellor and therapist, working both long and short term with clients. I offer day time, early morning and evening appointments.

Working in a holistic way, I believe that looking at the ‘wider’ you is important. I am trained to use a variety of approaches, according to the needs of each individual client.

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) is based on the principle that our thoughts and beliefs about any situation directly impact on our moods, behaviour and physical reactions. In particular, unrealistic or long-held ‘automatic’ thoughts undermine our self confidence and ability to change.

CBT will note the past, but not delve into it. It is particularly useful for short term, solution-focussed counselling (6 – 20 sessions) dealing with specific issues, such as anxiety, depression and low self esteem. We will identify strategies and tools for you to use as you practise new ways of reacting and interacting with your world.

Mindfulness

Mindfulness practice and Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction techniques will enable you to live more in the present moment, which is the only moment we have to live, worrying less about the past or the future. They will enable you to ignore negative ruminations, regain a sense of perspective and become far more calm and effective, both in and outside of work, creating balance and energy in your life.

Relaxation and Breathing techniques will retrain your body to work for you, rather than letting it sabotage your intentions at vital moments. Knowing that you can control your level of adrenalin, even in times of crisis, is one of the most useful tools you can have! This alone will enhance your self confidence tremendously, as you become adept not only at dealing with stress, but also at pre-empting and preventing it.

Psychodynamic Psychotherapy and Counselling

Psychodynamic Psychotherapy / Counselling is based on the experience that we are all affected by our past and that if these influences have been negative or unhelpful we are also able to change how we are from now on.

Would you like to understand and come to terms with past events in order to move beyond them effectively?

I will help you to look at them in a safe and productive way, valuing the courage it takes to look closely at yourself. Together we will work at putting the past into a fresh perspective, understanding the connections with your present reactions and gaining practical ways of enhancing your self belief and positivity.

This will enable you to make long lasting changes by breaking the emotional ties and repetitive patterns of negative behaviour which may have kept you ‘enslaved’ up till now.

All of these approaches will lead to a sense of greater personal fulfilment and freedom.