We can all struggle at different stages of our lives and people seek professional help for a multitude of problems, particularly at times when it has become difficult to make sense of our feelings, thoughts, behaviours and symptoms on our own. I believe that it is important that you find the right therapist with whom you can build trust in the knowledge that you are in safe hands.
I am Psychotherapist, Counsellor and Supervisor and have many years experience in both the public and private sector, working with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures who bring a wide range of emotional and psychological issues. I am a warm and empathetic therapist with professional training to a high standard, holding a Masters degree in Psychodynamic Psychotherapy and Accreditation with the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy). Alongside offering medium and longer-term in-depth therapy, I also have extensive experience working in a short-term model (ranging from 6 to 16 sessions). I am a Guest Lecturer on the Birkbeck Masters course in Psychodynamic Counselling and Psychotherapy, and run workshops on "short-term work" for trainee therapists.
My Practice - location and fees:
My practice, City of London Psychotherapy, is based at convenient and comfortable offices in the City, a few minutes' walk from City Thameslink Rail Station (Holborn Viaduct exit) and five minutes' walk from Farringdon (rail and tube) and Chancery Lane tube stations. www.citylondonpsychotherapy.co.uk
Session fees range from £70 to £85 per 50 minute session, plus a limited number of lower fee/concessionary rates.
My approach:
Providing a safe and confidential setting, I work with people to help them explore the root causes of their problems. My approach is Psychodynamic Psychotherapy. This pays particular attention to aspects of a person’s behaviour, past relationships and experiences and how they can become re-enacted in the present, contributing to the repetition of unhelpful patterns of relating either in the work place or in one’s personal life. Psychotherapists are trained to understand the unconscious processes and motives involved and in the therapeutic relationship trust is built where these issues, which potentially constrain and hinder personal development and growth, can be an explored.
The focus of the therapy is therefore to help a person to become more self-aware and through the development of greater personal insight and understanding of themselves, the capacity to be better able to manage feelings and behaviours in the present. This allows the opportunity for change leading to an emotionally healthier way of being and relating.
Who I work with:
Many of my clients experience difficulties whilst meeting the increasing demands of modern living, alongside working in competitive and highly pressurised environments and managing personal responsibilities and relationships.
Frequently I see people who are seeking therapy for depression, anxiety, a fear of failure, perfectionism and low self-esteem or a general dissatisfaction with life and a loss of purpose, meaning or direction. Others may have problems in their relationships, perhaps at work or with partners or family members. Some will be encountering difficulties following a loss of a job, a loved one or a long-term relationship. Often people can encounter problems at moments of transition and change.
Initial Assessment:
Before any work commences, I offer an initial assessment or consultation. The objective of the assessment is to reach an understanding of what brought a person to seek help and to then develop a formulation of what would be most useful for example, short term therapy, longer term therapy or a referral for a different approach or service. This initial meeting is also an opportunity for both therapist and client to decide if they wish to work together with no obligation to commit to anything further for the time being.
Occasionally the initial consultation may be enough on its own with a client then deciding they may not need to or wish to proceed with any further work. Usually however, people do want to continue at which point an agreement is made to either: proceed with a short-term contract which means a number of sessions are agreed at the outset with an option to review the work and extend if appropriate; or work can be open-ended where there is no predetermined date but also with the opportunity to review progress. Once this is decided, specific terms can then be agreed such as frequency of sessions, typically 50 minutes once a week, appointment times and fees. Clients will then be provided with a copy of a written contract and be fully informed of and provided with a copy of the confidentiality agreement before any work commences.
Training, qualifications & experience:
I hold the following qualifications:-
Masters (MSc) in Psychodynamic Counselling and Psychotherapy, Birkbeck, University of London
Graduate Diploma in Psychodynamic Counselling and Psychotherapy, Birkbeck, University of London
Certificate of Higher Education in Counselling and Counselling Skills, Birkbeck, University of London
BSc in Psychology and Anthropology, Oxford Brookes University
A unique aspect of the Masters and Diploma course was the training in individual, group and organisational processes and dynamics which informs my therapeutic approach, particularly with regards to work related issues that clients may bring.
Experience:
I have worked as a therapist worling with young people and adults in both the public and private sectors and carried out my initial clinical training at King's College London and Queen Mary University Counselling Services. More recently I worked as a psychotherapist with the counselling service at Birkbeck, University of London where the majority of my clients were managing full-time jobs along with family commitments whilst returning to study after many years break from higher education.
Before re-training as a psychotherapist, I had over 20 years experience working in senior communications and public affairs roles across the corporate and not-for-profit sectors in multi-national, medium and small organisations. I have a particular interest in the promotion of good mental health in the work-place and access to psychotherapeutic services without fear of stigma.
Supervisory role and further training:
I am a supervisor and have professional development training in supervision skills with the British Psychotherapy Foundation. I offer two locations for supervision: NW6 (close to Thameslink/London Overground/Jubilee line) and EC1A (close to City Thameslink/ Farringdon and Chancery Lane tubes).
As part of my Continued Professional Development I attend training conferences and events on a regular basis. To promote professional development and on-going learning amongst psychotherapists who have a shared training background, I have also held various roles on the committee of the Birkbeck Counselling Association (BCA) over four years, including being Co-Vice-Chair.
As an Accredited Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, I abide by their professional codes of ethics and conduct and adhere to the Ethical Framework for Good Practice in Counselling and Psychotherapy.
You are very welcome to telephone or email me to discuss your circumstances with a view to setting up an initial appointment. I look forward to hearing from you.
