Many people experience emotional difficulties at some time in their lives.

Often it can be when they have been experiencing periods of anxiety or depression, difficulties with relationships or after the loss of a loved one. The thought of finding the right therapist for you can often feel quite daunting, so it is helpful to have an idea what to expect. The therapist encourages each client to explore beyond the immediate reasons for their difficulties, which may lie in repeating patterns of behaviour.

With the help of the therapist, who listens and observes in a particular way, we can come to understand some of our early experiences that have shaped our lives so far. Our early experiences can determine how we behave and feel as an adult. Early relationships with parents or caregivers often define the relationships we have in later life, both with others as well as ourselves.

In psychotherapy we can become more conscious of our patterns of behaviour and emotional functioning. This can lead to a greater sense of self awareness and freedom.

Psychotherapy is a journey of self exploration that you embark on with your therapist and as you become more aware of unhelpful patterns and experience the feelings they stir up, it helps us to find more constructive ways of living in the present and gain a stronger sense of inner fulfillment. Given the often sensitive nature of the issues discussed in therapy, developing a trusting relationship with your therapist is really important for effective treatment.

The initial assessment

In the first session it is usual to discuss your concerns and relevant history. The session is an opportunity for you to tell me what has brought you to therapy at this time and what your hopes and expectations are.

At the end of the session I will share my initial understanding of your problem and explain my therapeutic approach.This is also an opportunity for you to raise any concerns or questions you might have.

There is a fee for the initial consultation but no obligations as we need to mutually agree that what I offer is appropriate for you, if we do agree to work together, a regular appointment time can then be arranged.

Thank you for your interest

Psychotherapy services and Couples Counselling