The way I work
I am a therapist trained in both Humanistic and Psychodynamic Theory. By combining both models I believe my clients can benefit from the warmth of non-directional therapy combined with the opportunity to explore the past and its effects on present behaviour. I adhere to the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists’ (BACP) and the National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society’s code of ethics, working to the highest standards of confidentiality and professional practice.
Humanistic theory
The humanistic approach believes individuals have within themselves vast resources for self-understanding and an innate tendency to develop towards their full potential. This can inevitably be blocked or distorted by difficult life experiences. The core conditions of humanistic therapy are “empathy”, “unconditional positive regard” and “congruence” (authenticity). The therapist offers genuine warmth and acceptance so the individual can feel safe enough to explore difficult aspects of their life and helps develop better self-understanding. The therapist and client are equal partners, the therapist merely facilitates the client to engage safely in self-exploration to find their own solutions and move towards personal growth and self-actualization.
Psychodynamic theory
Psychodynamic theory stresses the importance of past experience in shaping our current way of being and explains personality. Feelings can be held in the unconscious mind because they are too painful to face and we come up with defences to protect us from them. These defences can go wrong and cause more harm than good. Therapy aims to raise these feelings into our consciousness so we understand where they have come from and this enables us to examine unresolved conflicts and symptoms that arise and deal with them so they become less painful. Psychodynamic therapy uses the therapeutic relationship to gain insight into relationship patterns that have evolved since childhood. The task of the therapist is to facilitate the client’s insight by linking the past and present through the method of interpretation of the client’s communication.
Fees & location
I am located in Enfield, a few minutes from the town centre.
I charge £45 per 50 minute session with a free initial assessment telephone call, this can be either face or face or video.
I can offer concessions to low income clients.
