My work is rooted in psychodynamic psychotherapy. This means we explore not only what you are experiencing in the present, but also the experiences, relationships and patterns that may have shaped how you understand yourself and relate to others. Sometimes we can find ourselves caught in patterns that are difficult to understand. We may experience the same difficulties in relationships, feel overwhelmed by emotions, or find ourselves responding to situations in ways that seem out of our control. Therapy can offer a space to slow down and become curious about what may be happening beneath the surface.

Understanding yourself

I believe that psychological difficulties are not simply symptoms to be removed. They can also tell us something about our emotional world and the ways we have learned to cope with difficult experiences.

Together, we can explore your thoughts, feelings, relationships and patterns of behaviour, including aspects of your experience that may be difficult to put into words. Developing a deeper understanding of yourself can create greater freedom to make different choices and relate to yourself and others in new ways.

This does not mean that we will always focus on the past. What is happening in your life now is central to our work, and we may look to earlier experiences when they help us understand what you are experiencing in the present.

A flexible approach

While psychodynamic thinking provides the foundation of my practice, I work flexibly and draw on ideas and techniques from other therapeutic approaches when they may be helpful. This can include elements of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT).

These approaches can offer practical ways of working with thoughts, emotions and behaviours, while remaining within a broader understanding of your individual experience. I do not believe that therapy should follow a fixed formula. The way we work together will depend on your needs, what you bring to therapy, and what feels most useful to you.

The therapeutic relationship

I see the relationship between therapist and client as an important part of the work. I aim to offer a warm, thoughtful and non-judgemental space where you can feel able to explore experiences openly and at your own pace.

Therapy may be short- or long-term, depending on your circumstances, needs and goals. We can think together about what length and approach would be most appropriate for you.