Welcome
Venturing into therapy may feel like an overwhelming task, especially for individuals unfamiliar with psychotherapy. I approach therapy in a down to earth, plainspoken way, believing it to be helpful for people from all walks of life.
I offer a non-judgmental, empathetic space for you to examine what brought you to this decision. Whether a life event has changed how you feel about yourself and the world around you, or a longer-term pattern has created relationship and life difficulties, we can explore this within the safety of the therapeutic relationship. I believe there are parts of ourselves that are difficult to perceive alone, and through relationship with a compassionate other, we are able to enhance our awareness of ourselves and the world around us. This enhanced awareness may allow us to live a more authentic life, in closer alignment with our own values.
I am a BACP counsellor and a UKCP integrative psychotherapist in training. I offer long and short-term integrative therapy from a relational stance. Integrative therapy is an approach that combines techniques and principles from different therapeutic modalities. I tailor my approach to the unique needs and preferences of each client. This involves incorporating elements from three therapeutic models, Gestalt, Psychodynamic and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. I aim to create personalised approach that draws on the strengths of different therapeutic perspectives to address the complexities of your experiences. Working relationally simply means I place an emphasis on the relationship between us, and view this as part of the process of therapy. The relationship becomes a safe supportive place for you to explore your emotions, challenges, and personal growth.
My approach
Gestalt Therapy
Gestalt therapy is a humanistic approach rooted deeply in the relationship between client and therapist. It focuses on the present moment and emphasises your experience and context, viewing difficulties in a holistic way. It explores how individuals perceive and experience their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours as integrated wholes. This approach aims to increase self-awareness and promote personal growth through understanding one's present experience and the patterns that emerge in interactions. Gestalt is a creative therapy and will sometimes involve experiments and working in an embodied way.
Psychodynamic Therapy
Psychodynamic therapy explores unconscious thoughts and feelings, often rooted in early childhood experiences, to understand and address current emotional difficulties. It involves making the unconscious mind conscious and explores how this impacts present behaviour, relationships, and overall well-being. To ensure some experiences and memories do not stay in our awareness we develop defences, like denial and projections. I will work with you to explore patterns, unresolved conflicts, and defence mechanisms, with the goal of fostering insight and facilitating choice.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Constructivist CBT is an approach that combines elements of traditional CBT with constructivist principles. It emphasises the role of individual interpretation and meaning making in shaping one's experiences and behaviours. This therapy encourages clients to explore and challenge their cognitive processes, considering how their beliefs and interpretations influence emotions and behaviours. By fostering awareness of personal meaning and perspectives, constructivist CBT aims to help you construct more adaptive and positive ways of thinking and responding to challenges.
My background
I have a background in employment coaching and have worked in the public sector for years in operational delivery in public facing roles. I have built relationships with people from all walks of life, and this has instilled in me a sensitivity to cultural differences and individual preferences. I am currently with two counselling charities and am able to work with a range of difficulties, such as depression, anxiety, trauma, loss, stress, and relationship difficulties. If you are interested in working together, please contact me and we can arrange a short twenty-minute call to discuss this.
My Services
I offer online and in person therapy in the Stourbridge area.
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Sessions cost £50 though concessions are considered.
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I currently have availability on Monday and Tuesday evenings and Thursday and Saturday mornings.
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Integrative Relational Therapy
UPCA & UKCP membership
