Integrative psychotherapy
I’m an integrative therapist. This means that I’ve been trained in, and work with, a range of therapeutic techniques, rather than one modality.
You can read more about integrative psychotherapy on the BACP website.
my approach
I’m a warm, empathetic and calm person with a genuine interest in people’s stories; how what’s happened to us shapes who, and how, we are in the world. I’m interested in how distress ‘shows up’ in our bodies. The mind and body are inseparable and, sometimes, our bodies do the talking for us when we can’t access the words.
I use techniques from psychodynamic theory, person centred theory, cognitive behavioural theory (CBT) and ideas from existential philosophy. I tailor my approach to a clients’ individual needs and preferences. In other words, the human being sat in front of me.
I work with people who have all kinds of emotional difficulties and mental health challenges. For example, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, relationship and attachment issues, loss, work conflicts, ‘stuckness’ and anger. I’m experienced in working with trauma and abuse.
I experienced significant anxiety when I was younger. This informs my approach, which combines a practical focus on physical symptoms with more in-depth, analytical work about the function of anxiety in someone’s life.
My approach is LGBTQIA+ positive, with a focus on considering differences and discriminations.
coming to therapy
Thinking about coming to therapy can be daunting. It’s completely natural to worry about trusting another person with difficult thoughts or feelings, let alone a stranger. I will try and make you feel safe and heard.
You may have preconceptions about what coming to therapy is like. The process is portrayed in all sorts of ways in films, on TV and social media. Every therapist will work slightly differently, depending on the kind of training they’ve had and who they are as a person. In essence, the idea is that a therapist forms a real relationship with their client; one built on trust and care. We call this the ‘therapeutic alliance’.
I believe that, within this alliance, we can increase our self-awareness about certain experiences, behavioural patterns or ways of thinking. This can bring about a greater sense of control. It can also be freeing to explore the history and meaning of our difficulties. My aim is to provide a non-judgemental and trusting space in which you can be truly honest. The more we can access our real inner experience, the more flexible our thinking can become.
You may decide to work with me in the short-term, or wish to engage in open-ended therapy. In either case, we’ll work collaboratively, at your pace. Sometimes, challenges and interpretations can be useful. It may also be useful to think about the interactions between the two of us. This can help you understand patterns, thoughts and beliefs that come up in your relationships outside the therapy room.
what i offer
I provide weekly therapy sessions face-to-face and online. I have practices in:
Kentish Town, North London
Hackney, East London, at HQ Therapy
I offer a free, 15-20 minute intro call or online meeting. We can discuss what’s made you consider coming to therapy, your expectations and to see if we’re a good fit for one another.
Our sessions would be confidential. I’m a registered member of the BACP and follow the BACP Ethical Framework. I’m fully insured, have regular clinical supervision and I’m committed to ongoing professional development. For example, training on: how the body holds trauma and chronic stress; working with trans and non-binary clients; decentering privilege; race and culture core competency.
Qualifications
PGDip Integrative Counselling & Psychotherapy, University of East London.
MSc Psychology, University of Westminster, London.
BA Honours English Literature, University of Westminster, London.
Fees
For individual therapy, each 50-minute session costs £70.00.
For couples therapy, each 50-minute session costs £95.00.
I believe that psychological support should be accessible to all, so I also offer lower-cost places to people with low income. Please feel free to ask about this when you get in touch.
