I am an integrative practitioner, which means I am trained in a number of different therapeutic approaches.
During my initial training I specialised in cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT).
I have since undertaken further, advanced training and I am fully qualified to provide EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing therapy), the gold standard therapy for trauma/PTSD.
I have further training in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness and Compassion-focused therapy (CFT) and incorporate these into my work where appropriate.
I am very much guided by the individual client’s needs and preferences and the problems they bring.
What is CBT?
CBT focuses on the way we think about things and aims to shed light on how our thoughts influence the way we act and the way we feel (and vice versa). The therapist helps the client uncover any unhelpful patterns or vicious cycles they have become trapped in. By focussing on our thinking processes and behaviours (i.e. our reactions to situations), we can more clearly decide if these are helpful to us and if not, adapt to more helpful alternatives and increase our ability to cope, becoming more flexible and resilient in the process.
What is ACT and mindfulness?
ACT uses mindfulness and acceptance amongst other things to encourage people to look at life from a different perspective. Mindfulness refers to a way of paying attention, on purpose, to the present moment. The aim is to help people live in the present as fully as possible and, through encouraging psychological flexibility, helps people to respond to situations rather than simply (and often unconsciously) reacting. By connecting with personal values, the therapist helps the client accept what they cannot change and move towards (commit to and act upon) what is meaningful: i.e actions that enrich and improve quality of life.
What is EMDR?
EMDR is a type of therapy originally developed to help people process trauma. Research has demonstrated its benefits in treating psychological trauma arising from experiences as diverse as war related experiences, childhood sexual and/or physical abuse or neglect, natural disaster, assault, surgical trauma, road traffic accidents and workplace accidents. Since its original development, EMDR is also increasingly used to help individuals with other issues, such as anxiety and panic. More information on this type of therapy can be found at: http://www.emdrassociation.org.uk/home/about_EMDR_therapy.htm
What to expect
Each session is 50 minutes. I offer an initial assessment session which offers a chance for us to meet and find out more about each other, including what has brought you to therapy. In this session I ask a number of questions to understand more about you, your life and any difficulties you may be struggling with. Anything you tell me is confidential (within certain boundaries, which I shall explain at this first meeting). This session is also an opportunity for you to find out more about me, and to ask any questions about how I work and what to expect from therapy. There are no obligations to meet again, unless you feel it would be helpful.
I normally then meet people on a regular basis, usually once a week, for a number of sessions. This is reviewed regularly with the client, and shortened or extended as needed.
I am very flexible based on people’s preferences and the nature of the problem(s) they are bringing.
During my initial training I specialised in cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT).
I have since undertaken further, advanced training and I am fully qualified to provide EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing therapy), the gold standard therapy for trauma/PTSD.
I have further training in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness and Compassion-focused therapy (CFT) and incorporate these into my work where appropriate.
I am very much guided by the individual client’s needs and preferences and the problems they bring.
What is CBT?
CBT focuses on the way we think about things and aims to shed light on how our thoughts influence the way we act and the way we feel (and vice versa). The therapist helps the client uncover any unhelpful patterns or vicious cycles they have become trapped in. By focussing on our thinking processes and behaviours (i.e. our reactions to situations), we can more clearly decide if these are helpful to us and if not, adapt to more helpful alternatives and increase our ability to cope, becoming more flexible and resilient in the process.
What is ACT and mindfulness?
ACT uses mindfulness and acceptance amongst other things to encourage people to look at life from a different perspective. Mindfulness refers to a way of paying attention, on purpose, to the present moment. The aim is to help people live in the present as fully as possible and, through encouraging psychological flexibility, helps people to respond to situations rather than simply (and often unconsciously) reacting. By connecting with personal values, the therapist helps the client accept what they cannot change and move towards (commit to and act upon) what is meaningful: i.e actions that enrich and improve quality of life.
What is EMDR?
EMDR is a type of therapy originally developed to help people process trauma. Research has demonstrated its benefits in treating psychological trauma arising from experiences as diverse as war related experiences, childhood sexual and/or physical abuse or neglect, natural disaster, assault, surgical trauma, road traffic accidents and workplace accidents. Since its original development, EMDR is also increasingly used to help individuals with other issues, such as anxiety and panic. More information on this type of therapy can be found at: http://www.emdrassociation.org.uk/home/about_EMDR_therapy.htm
What to expect
Each session is 50 minutes. I offer an initial assessment session which offers a chance for us to meet and find out more about each other, including what has brought you to therapy. In this session I ask a number of questions to understand more about you, your life and any difficulties you may be struggling with. Anything you tell me is confidential (within certain boundaries, which I shall explain at this first meeting). This session is also an opportunity for you to find out more about me, and to ask any questions about how I work and what to expect from therapy. There are no obligations to meet again, unless you feel it would be helpful.
I normally then meet people on a regular basis, usually once a week, for a number of sessions. This is reviewed regularly with the client, and shortened or extended as needed.
I am very flexible based on people’s preferences and the nature of the problem(s) they are bringing.