Approach
I’m an integrative, humanistic psychotherapist.
What does humanistic mean?
Humanistic psychotherapy is rooted in the belief that every person has the capacity for growth, greater self-awareness and fulfilment. It emphasises authenticity, personal responsibility and the value of good relationships, both with ourselves and with others.
As a humanistic therapist you’ll find me genuine and honest in my responses and that our conversation is dynamic and real. I’m known for being warm, calm, open-minded and insightful. I’m also not afraid to challenge where it may be valuable to you.
In the humanistic therapy context, all feelings are ‘grist to the mill’, including those that may arise about me and / or in response to sessions. These ‘live’ responses can be rich opportunities for growth and healing.
And integrative?
My training and subsequent professional development means that I’m skilled to bring in approaches from a range of range of psychotherapeutic traditions, as appropriate to each person I work with.
My approach is very much rooted in Gestalt psychotherapy which emphasises self-awareness and the healthy integration of emotions. I also draw heavily on Stanley Keleman's empowering work around how healing can be found through focused attention to our physiological patterns.
Also central to my work is family therapist Virginia Satir’s brilliantly pragmatic work around relationships and communication and Pete Walker’s profound insights into healing from childhood emotional abuse / neglect and early attachment trauma.
I also draw on aspects of Internal Family Systems Therapy, Non-Violent Communication, Mindfulness and Resourcing.
Training
I trained for five years at Spectrum in London from 2008-2013. I began working with clients in 2012, volunteering for Cruse, the bereavement support charity. I set up in private practice in 2013 and haven’t looked back.
Spectrum's training included modules in Working with Anger, Childhood Sexual Abuse, Action Techniques in the Therapy Room, Clinical Skills and Sexuality. I also hold a Certificate in Counselling Skills from the Iron Mill in Exeter and a Certificate in Awareness in Bereavement Care (Cruse).
I have an advanced certificate in couples therapy (Juliet Grayson - Interaction Training - CORST approved). Other recent professional development experiences that inform my practice include 'Working with Ex Boarders' (Nick Duffell), 'Internal Family Systems', (IFS) therapy (Alexia Rothman) and the Pesso Boyden Psychomotor approach (Juliet Grayson).
I continue to engage in professional development to further my practice and keep abreast of new advancements in the psychotherapy field.
Background
I've always been passionate about supporting people to learn, change and flourish. Before training in psychotherapy, I worked for many years in the arts and education sector as a consultant, researcher and trainer. I also trained as a coach (The Cultural Leadership Programme) and an action learning set facilitator (Action Learning Associates).
I've been involved in my own self-development for some 17 years and regard my commitment to my own psychotherapy as core to the quality of my work with my clients.