HOW I WORK

From birth we are shaped by our earliest relational experiences and the environment in which we develop. I work from the perspective that these early experiences can influence how we go on to form relationships and navigate our way through life. I draw upon Attachment Theory to help make sense of these relational patterns.

Trauma is the Greek word meaning “wound” and it is our relational wounds that can affect us and lead us to encounter difficulties in life that lead to anxiety, depression and a lack of well being.

A trauma-focused approach can help in working with anyone who has experienced adverse life experiences including bereavement and loss, illness, domestic abuse or coercive relationships, bullying, relationship breakdowns, self-harming behaviours such as addiction and eating disorders, abuse and neglect in childhood. Trauma-focused approaches work with you to bring about feelings of stability and safety to empower you to bring change and more control through recognising your own strengths and potential.

This work is very much anchored in the here and now and is not about reliving past events.

I use compassion-focused interventions to encourage the understanding that in developing kindness for yourself you can find ways of coping with difficult feelings and situations. When individuals view their own behaviours and shortcomings without compassion, they may ruminate about their faults and inadequacies in such a way that erodes self-esteem and happiness. Self-compassion has been reported as more beneficial than self-esteem because it strongly enhances emotional resilience without also fostering some of the negative correlates that have been associated with self-esteem such as self defensiveness and inflexibility.

I use creative approaches that I find can deepen self-awareness and promote reflective thinking. These include using art materials, sand tray work with objects, puppets, music and storytelling. All are client led and about enabling you to express things in ways that sometimes words can’t.

My approach acknowledges that our physical bodies carry and are impacted by mental distress and life experience resulting in health issues or feelings of disconnection. I work somatically (with the body) and use interventions using body and breathwork that can promote insight and well being.

The natural world can provide useful insights and awareness through its beauty and cyclical patterns and changes. I work from a room in my garden which is peaceful and private.

I also offer walk and talk therapy using locations I am very familiar with should this be of interest.

THE BENEFITS

My approach works to ensure an increase in feelings of well being and gives you a clearer insight into how you can manage difficult feelings and alleviate stress and anxiety.

I offer you the tools to progress from striving to thriving.

Counselling helps you find a way of shaping your future that offers a meaningful life where you feel more in control and helps you develop more positive relationships.

I offer short and long term work. We will decide together through regular reviews how the work is going.

The relationship between therapist and client is central to the work. It is based upon mutual trust and respect. I offer a free no-obligation short telephone consultation to see if we think I am the right therapist for you.