How important it is to be understood, and to truly be heard.
Family, Couple and Systemic Psychotherapist
Either face to face or virtual appointments can be arranged, always at your convenience.
Finding the right therapist for you, that's what is most important.
When considering this, reflect on whether you feel safe, listened to, and understood in that relationship?
All of these factors are well known to strongly influence how effective any form of psychotherapy can be.
In these times of such uncertainty in the world, it is natural for us all to try to cling to some semblance of certainty. However, this creates a conflict for us, as the world we exist in is just not certain. Therefore, putting us at odds to the world we live in.
What I offer.
I aim to provide a safe therapeutic space for you, your family and/or partner, to explore the various challenges that life may have brought your way and to assist with strategies and ways to cope.
I offer a free introductory telephone call, or virtual consultation, before you have to chose whether you wish to proceed, and before you decide if you feel that I might be able to be helpful. Absolutely free, no obligation.
Therapy with families and children:
I have extensive experience of providing therapy for families who present with a range of difficulties. Being playful and accepting, curious and empathic are corner stones to my approach. Often the unspoken can be shown in children's behaviour, so increasing safety to explore this, and by increasing understanding can increase empathy. I balance a focus on your family's strengths and resilience, as well as the tougher aspects of life that may well have led to you seeking therapy.
Individual or Group Clinical Supervision:
I provide teams, groups and individuals systemic clinical supervision. I have completed my IAPT (PG Cert) supervisors training and have had extensive experience in setting up, leading and supervising therapy clinics in my previous NHS work.
Within this work I have supervised practitioners from a range of different modalities, including Psychologists and Psychiatrists at various stages of their careers.
A safe space for individuals, or couples:
When working with individuals I integrate principles from ACT, Acceptance Commitment Therapy with systemic techniques and find a way to tailor the approach to you and your needs.
With well over 2 decades of working in mental health services, and more recently now mainly in private practice, all of this has given me the experience required to be helpful to you.
Listening, and responding with curiosity and compassion feel important factors to me.
Creating a safe space
Attachment theory is fundamental in terms of understanding all human relationships. Building working relationships where we focus on trust, you feeling listened to and understood, are all integral aspects to creating a culture whereby anyone can achieve their goals.
Finding a way together
The theories underpinning my approach include Systemic Theory; Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy, Narrative therapy and Attachment Theory.
Although ultimately working collaboratively is the main scaffolding to my practice.
Life Transitions
Taking time out to reflect in what can be an extremely busy life, is essential.
Life naturally brings a number of transitions; moving house, having a baby, experience of loss, going to University, marriage, retirement, etc etc. These times of uncertainty and uncomfortableness can lead us into the trap of feeling as though we need to find certainty.
Clinical Experience and Qualifications:
Family and Systemic Psychotherapist and R.M.N.
Initially professionally qualifying as a Social Worker in 2003, (Dip/Sw) I worked across a number of front line teams within Statutory mental health services and Children's Social Care.
I then subsequently retrained and qualified as Registered Mental Health Nurse (BSc) in 2008 where I continued to work in a number of exciting and challenging roles in the NHS.
More recently I completed the MSc in Systemic Psychotherapy (qualifying in 2017), and then have worked as a Senior Psychotherapist in both CAMHS and Adult Secondary Mental Health services in the South West of the UK. I have also gone on to undertake post graduate training as a clinical supervisor and have supervised both groups with reflective practice and individuals.
I have also completed further training in both levels 1 + 2, DDP, Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy training, undertaking this with Dan Hughes and Edwina Grant from 'GCT' in Glasgow.
My current role is now working primarily independently, having left the NHS in November 2023.
I have always maintained my professional continued development, and enjoy a healthy interest in the ethics and legal components of working with vulnerable people.
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