Talking therapy
WHAT IS TALKING THERAPY?
I am deeply grateful for the work I do. I see it as a true privilege to share and hold space for others.
When I first started training as a talking therapist I was clear that I didn’t want to focus on one modality. I had been supported by a wonderful holistic practitioner and was grateful that she gave me the opportunity to experience different modalities.
There can be confusion around which type of therapy or indeed therapist to work with so I always encourage you explore what feels right for you. Have a chat and look at their social media. I often share my own experiences on my instagram page so feel free to have a look.
I am passionate about the whole person – not just the sum of the many parts. My approach is multi-faceted because I truly believe that an integral approach is what we all need. Our journey will have many layers as I will look at the bigger picture - that is the valuable connection between mind body and feelings. Everyone is different and reacts differently, my approach allows us to find the best possible way to support you on this journey.
Training in Clarkson’s 5 relational model of therapy gave me a solid foundation to build on and I have added to this through CPD over the years. I have in 2021 completed training in Psychotherapy and Clinical Hypnotherapy.
I feel particularly drawn to the creative aspect of therapy and how by using art for example as a therapeutic tool this greatly benefits the client. I also encourage my clients to participate in outdoor sessions as nature is one of the biggest healers and I have witnessed great shifts in perspective whilst being outside holding a therapeutic space.
My experience…
For several years I worked for a charity supporting families with disabled children. Setting up my own private practise within this setting I had the opportunity to work with people experiencing anxiety, depression and trauma. I also worked with relationships (between the family unit and their child/ren). I continue to support children and young people within a home and school setting and work as a school therapist for part of my week. I was proud to be a part of Holland & Barretts me.no.pause campaign raising awareness around the menopause. I am passionate about supporting women through their menopause journey.
I am also in private practice and my offering is extended to one to one work, couples and groups. I am happy to visit in your own home (subject to a risk assessment) and I also work from a clinic in Guildford, Surrey. During lockdown I have been offering therapeutic support via zoom and have reinstated walking sessions within the Surrey Hills.
Talking therapies differ…
in their focus and it can be confusing for people to understand the different terms used and what is right for one person may not work for another. One size does not fit all so I always suggest following one’s instinct and ‘gut’ when choosing a therapist. First impressions count especially with a therapeutic relationship – ideally you are looking for one based on unconditional positive regard, trust and rapport.
Here are some of the things I have supported my clients through…
Using mindfulness to help symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Working on strengthening neural pathways to release old patterns of behaviour to support relationship with self and others.
Cultivating self-compassion and working on forgiveness of self and others.
Supporting with the development of soothing self-talk to release limiting beliefs.
Creating positive language relating to body image and limiting beliefs.
Listening to stories that need to be heard and supporting on re-writing unhelpful experiences that have contributed to self-doubt, lack of confidence and fear.
Finding a sense of purpose in their life.
People often come to me for these reasons…
Social and health anxiety, depression and a challenge to their well-being
Trauma experienced through grief
Working on a life transition
The stages of the menopause
Relationship guidance between couples and within the family unit
Support for a child or young person
YOUR JOURNEY IS UNIQUE TO YOU…
These are the main modalities of therapy that I have been trained in and a brief description of each.
First and fore-most I work in a person-centred way. I will encourage you to draw on your unique strengths and use the insight about yourself to encourage your personal growth – on a mind body and soul level.
Humanistic: This is based on the principle of looking at the individual as a whole person which includes marrying the fundamental connection between body, spirit and soul.
Mindfulness-based: I have been practising mindfulness for a number of years now and incorporate this with all of my sessions – one to ones to group work. I like to focus on the concept of kindfulness. That is to become aware of thoughts and feelings and accepting them with kindness and a sense of curiosity. A typical session may include using specific techniques such as breath work and tapping.
Arts or creative: I have completed training in the creative use of Art as a therapeutic tool. Using creative processes such as drawing, painting and applying drama as a means to explore and communicate difficult or confusing feelings without talking.
Solution focussed – also known as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy: Exploring your thoughts and the way you think and act in your space and in the presence of others. There is a strong focus on what you want to achieve in the future rather than exploring past experiences. We stay in the present and work with what we have.
Psychodynamic (or dynamic): Explores how your unconscious thoughts might affect the way you act and examining unconscious, deep-rooted thoughts that may stem from childhood.