How I Work

I am trained as a ‘relational integrative’ therapist. ‘Relational’ means that I recognise the power in therapy resides in the relationship co-created between the client and therapist. ‘Integrative’ means that I work with several theoretical approaches (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy – CBT, Psychodynamic and Humanistic) so between us we can find a way of working together which meets your needs and aims.

I work with clients with a range of life experiences.

My commitment to you

“My commitment to you” describes the essence of my understanding of the therapeutic process and my personal approach. This can be explained and explored further during your initial sessions, and as is therapeutically purposeful in later sessions. It is helpful to understand that therapy is not advice giving. The therapist may be likened to a mirror who reflects back to the client themselves in their life. Through this the client gains new awareness and is equipped with a range of perspectives and choices in their life. A therapist can make ‘invitations’ to a client who is free to ignore them, or act on them.

Sessions

A session is one hour of your life in a week which comprises 167 other hours. It will be important for you to discover how you reflect on each session, this may include journaling, jotting notes (digital, or hard copy), or making visual representations which may include drawing. Creating intentional reflection time during your day and week can enhance the impact of your sessions.

Paying attention to your ‘take-away’ from each session, and how to sit with it during your week, is a habit to cultivate. This may involve putting into practice things you have discovered, or rehearsed, during your session.

Session Preparation

Preparation for a session will look different for different clients depending on their place in the therapeutic process. To help you get the most out of your sessions, pay attention to what it is you want to get from your sessions. Some clients find it helpful to name this in terms of their aims, or goals. For others, they cannot name what they need from counselling, but they know they need help.

My commitment to you:

As a caregiver cradles a new-born child in their arms, I commit to offer you a therapeutic relationship in which you are therapeutically held and cherished.
As a child explores the world with wonder, I commit to be curious with you trusting that through my stance of curiosity you will be offered different ways of being in the world.
As the most trusted in our lives are often those who challenge us, I commit to be ready to challenge you through gentleness within your capacity to receive it.
As our greatest supporters in life celebrate us for being ourselves, I commit to be a cheerleader who trusts in your inner resources.
As an inspirational leader embodies compassion, I commit to model and practice self-compassion in our work together.
As partners choose to collaborate as they journey through life, I commit to be a co-creator with you as the therapeutic relationship develops between us.