Counselling and psychotherapy can help with a variety of difficulties ranging from those that are rooted in the past (depression, problems in relationships) to those that have arisen as a result of a recent event (bereavement, redundancy). Where issues are long-standing and deeper work is required I recommend open-ended psychotherapy rather than counselling.

Where you wish to work with a specific issue, for example how to cope with anxiety or panic attacks it may be that CBT can be useful.

At an initial meeting I will discuss with you what you hope to gain from therapy/counselling and together we will think about the approach that might be most suitable for you.

My training is Integrative which means I have studied various theoretical perspectives. My practice is informed by psychoanalytic ways of thinking about people and how they relate to themselves and others. Psychoanalytic psychotherapy is a talking therapy that seeks to understand how our past affects us in the present.

Early experiences can affect our adult lives, for example the way we form relationships, or the way we think and feel about ourselves and the choices we make. Engaging in psychotherapy can enable a greater understanding of yourself and others, as well as helping you become more aware of other choices open to you. Increased self-awareness can help you be more accepting of yourself, enabling a different way of relating to yourself and other people.

Psychotherapy aims to help people experiencing emotional difficulties including:

• difficulties in making and sustaining satisfactory relationships
• depression
• anxiety
• issues around identity
• cultural issues
• bereavement
• self-esteem
• difficulties arising from emotional, physical or sexual abuse