Types of Psychotherapy

Initially it can feel very daunting to seek support for personal difficulties, and the many types of therapy on offer can seem confusing. Talking therapies offer a safe, confidential and non-judgemental space to explore past experiences, current feelings and behavioural patterns. I have experience of working with people presenting many different issues, including depression, generalised anxiety, self-esteem, panic attacks, social anxiety, work-related stress, insomnia, sexual abuse, phobias, eating disorders, bereavement, chronic illness, health anxiety, relationships, life transitions and OCD. I offer a range of psychotherapy approaches, which are summarised below.

Integrative Psychodynamic Psychotherapy:

This approach aims to be flexible and inclusive in the way it tries to support each individual. A psychodynamic approach is centred on supporting self-awareness of the influence of the past on current behaviours, thinking and feelings in the present. It tends to involve a longer-term commitment to explore potentially unconscious patterns and conflicts. My approach is relational and informed by attachment theory.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT):

In times of anxiety or distress, we often fall into negative ways of thinking about ourselves, other people and the world. CBT is a time limited therapy that works to help identify how such thoughts, feelings and behaviours are inter-connected, and make positive changes in the here and now. I also draw on mindfulness and compassion focused approaches to support this type of therapy, and can work with couples.

Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR):

EMDR is an effective treatment for trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that enables healing from the symptoms and emotional distress resulting from such disturbing life events. During sessions, the therapist supports the person to relive the key experiences in brief doses while also directing his or her eye movements. This has been proven to help the brain’s information processing and mental health.

How I Work

After an initial phone discussion, if you wish to proceed we will arrange a first session to assess your current difficulties and expectations, and the most appropriate therapy to support you at this time. Depending on this assessment, we can then organise further sessions. I offer weekly face-to-face sessions each lasting 50 minutes. How long you may decide to come to sessions depends on the type of therapy and your goals. We would set an initial contract for the number of sessions and review progress along the way.

My standard fee for assessment and treatment is £70. I can offer a sliding scale under certain circumstances depending on need. Note that because I need to arrange and pay for the space in the Naos Institute, I charge the full fee for cancellations less than 72 hours before the session.