Old Street
Basingstoke Station
Golders GreenPsychological
and Counselling Services
Practice Counsellor available by appointment
Our Psychotherapist and Counsellor is MBACP accredited.
About Me
I am an Accredited Member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy. I adhere to their ethical framework for good practice. I work with individuals, adults and adolescents and offer short or long term therapy and, if appropriate, telephone counselling.
My approach is both Psychodynamic and Cognitive Behavioural.
Our first meeting
I offer an initial meeting, with no obligation, in order to give:
- Us a chance to meet;
- You an opportunity to talk about the issues that led you to think about therapy, and
- Me the time to answer any questions you may have about how I work, my fees and the therapeutic process.
We will meet for 50 minutes after which time I will help you make a decision as to how we proceed which will be based on my aim to help you get your needs met to the best possible advantage. Should you or I feel that another therapist or a different discipline better serves your problem, I am in a position to refer you to one of a number of colleagues with whom I closely work.
What Type of Issues
I work with a range of issues, including:
Anxiety, Alcohol Dependency, Bereavement, Depression, Eating Disorders, Health Issues, Loneliness, Life Issues, Parenting Support, Phobias, Relationship Issues, Stress
What can you expect from Counselling and Psychotherapy
Should we decide to continue, we will both commit to the process of working together. I will offer you ongoing support, free of judgement and direction and give you an opportunity to discuss your situation in complete confidentiality. We will look at your family history and relationships and reflect on repeated patterns of behaviour and choices that may not have been the most helpful to you in your life. I do not give advice but will offer you honest feedback and together, we will look at your realistic options. There is no pressure upon you to change and I will support you as you find your own path. We may identify certain thinking styles that negatively influence your emotions and responses and together we will endeavour to develop skills that, ultimately, will enable you to be more self-aware, confident, independent and better equipped to cope with the future. My aim will be to provide a private and safe environment for you to talk in complete confidence.
Benefits of Counselling
- You will have the opportunity to explore the issues that are interfering with your life and relationships
- You will have the chance to express and discharge thoughts and feelings in a safe and confidential environment
- You will be able to work through unresolved issues
- You will be able to think about your situation in a clearer way
- Your self-awareness and confidence will be increased
- You will develop coping skills which will better equip you to cope during times of vulnerability
- You will be freer to make healthier personal choices
- You will be able to maintain and sustain more honest and open relationships
What is Psychodynamic Psychotherapy?
Psychodynamic Therapy works with unconscious processes and takes the approach that our past effects our present and may determine how we react in certain situations and relationships.
This therapy is often beneficial for individuals who want to understand more about themselves. It is particularly helpful for those who feel their difficulties have affected them over a long period of time and need relieving of mental and emotional distress.
The therapeutic relationship is based on acceptance, empathy and understanding with an emphasis on developing a good working alliance that fosters trust. The therapist takes account of the real world of the client including the impact of history, trauma, cultural difference, sexual orientation, disability and social context.
The therapist will explore the past and reflect upon repeated patterns of behaviour and choices that may not have been the most beneficial. The process of change occurs as you become more aware of the power of your unconscious drives often fuelled by entrenched defence [coping] mechanisms that influence your behaviour.
The insight and understanding about human functions and development gained from psychoanalytic theory can enhance the life of the client and lead to one that is more fulfilling.
Psychodynamic Counselling has been found to be helpful for issues such as:
- Anxiety
- Assertiveness
- Anger
- Bereavement and Loss
- Eating Disorders
- Depression
- Health Issues
- Lack of Confidence
- Mid-life crisis
- Panic attacks and phobias
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Relationship Difficulties
- Stress
- Sexuality issues
- Unemployment, redundancy, retirement
What is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy [CBT]?
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy works with conscious processes and focuses on thoughts and behaviours in the here and now.
When you feel anxious, you may often have accompanying negative thoughts which, over time, may develop into quite fixed 'faulty thinking styles' or 'thinking errors'.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy will help you become acquainted with these unhelpful patterns of relating which may repeatedly be contributing to relationship difficulties and troubling behaviours.
You will be helped to develop new ways of thinking which will not only have a positive effect on your mood and behaviour but you will be in a better position to distance yourself from stress-inducing negative thoughts.
CBT has been found to be helpful for issues such as:
- anxiety
- depression
- exams - studying
- health anxiety
- lack of assertiveness
- panic attacks
- phobias
- procrastination
- stress
- work issues - e.g. role change, new job, redundancy, retirement, promotion.
