Our Services
“Nothing is more important than the person inside. Therapy exists for the person inside; it has no other purpose. When that inner being comes alive, or even stirs just a little, it is more real and important than any diagnosis… ” – Eugene Gendlin
Psychotherapy
When you embark on a journey of self-discovery, you open the door to insights and understanding that can propel you forward and empower you to overcome challenges that may have seemed insurmountable in the past. By working together, we can get to the bottom of your difficulties and establish good coping mechanisms for the here and now – We can delve into the ways in which your past has shaped your present, and once you become aware and understand this, change becomes possible.
As integrative psychotherapists, we employ and integrate a diverse array of therapeutic modalities, encompassing the primary schools of psychoanalysis, humanistic, psychodynamic, cognitive, behavioural, existential, somatic, and transpersonal therapy.
An integrated approach to psychological therapy rejects rigid beliefs, acknowledging that there is no singular ultimate truth or superior form of psychotherapy. Instead, there are multiple realities that vary in their significance to each client, based on their specific issues and desired outcomes in therapy.
Psychodynamic therapy has its roots in psychoanalysis and Freudian concepts, however the present approach is evidence-based rather than theoretical. The model assumes that psychological suffering arises from the dysfunctional functioning of the individual, which is unconscious and frequently established during early stages of life. The objective is to uncover and address these subconscious motivations and conflicts. In order to gain a deeper comprehension of the underlying subconscious reasons that impact individuals' cognitive processes, emotions, and behaviours. The core of the therapeutic process revolves around the relationship between the client and therapist, where patterns of interaction are believed to be enacted and can be effectively addressed throughout the session.
Schema therapy is an evidence-based, integrative approach that blends cognitive, behavioural and experiential techniques. It recognises all aspects of neurophysiology in its approach. Neuroscience informs us that every individual has an inherent ability for growth and healing. A positive, responsive, and safe relationship produces certain chemicals and hormones, which enhance the regulation of emotions, stress and neural firing. Thus a secure therapeutic relationship, in conjunction with the brain's neuroplasticity, offers the potential for change and fulfilment. A 'schema' refers to a blueprint that individuals create to understand themselves, the world, and others. These schemas often lie at the root of their emotional challenges. Schemas are developed in childhood when some or all of our needs are not met. Understanding our needs and the related schemas can help us to make changes to the patterns in which we find ourselves.
The humanistic approach is based on the fundamental ideals of unconditional positive regard and self-actualisation. This doesn’t mean that these are the therapist’s only tools. Therapists possess the skills to unravel complex issues and comprehend the broader context, although therapy sessions are client led. This approach is especially beneficial in situations where there is a sense of shame, remorse, or when a client is finding it difficult to demonstrate self-compassion, which is crucial for the process of healing.
Gestalt therapy was developed by German psychiatrist Fritz Perls. It's focus is to liberate individuals from obstacles that hinder their genuine expression, fulfilment, and growth. It strives to help clients become more fully and creatively alive.
The therapy is interactive and feedback driven. A common technique is using an empty chair and imagining there is a person, or part of yourself, that you're in conflict with sitting there. With this technique you explore conflicts within yourself, giving voice to both sides which can lead to resolution and self-awareness. The approach does not place moral values on one emotion vs another, so it’s okay to explore anger, envy, rage, etc without judgment.
Experiential Dynamic Therapy is a combination of art and science that allows for the investigation of themes like love, meaning, and existential purpose. This approach condenses the most efficient components of psychodynamic techniques into a more focused strategy to facilitate transformation. Verbal communication being insufficient, transformation also requires a deeper integration of change that is experienced on an emotional level which emphasises our conscious and unconscious interactions with ourselves and others. This is a relatively directive approach so the therapist does not adopt a passive role but rather actively engages and collaborates in the process.
Based on existential philosophy, this form of psychotherapy seeks to reveal the fundamental essence of the individual, enabling the client to gain genuine self-awareness - an understanding of oneself as a person.
Factors such as the country and family of birth, historical context, societal systems, genetic makeup, and physical attributes all contribute to shaping one's identity.
Transpersonal psychotherapy is an approach that has been shaped by influential figures such as Carl Jung, Roberto Assagioli, and Abraham Maslow. It is a humanistic approach which addresses the individual as part of a spiritual whole, facilitating clients in uncovering their fundamental self through the process of self-actualisation and self-realisation - moving beyond the self, beyond the limits of ego and personality. In Jungian terms, self- actualisation can be seen as having dealt with one’s shadow self. In eastern philosophies it is seen as a drive towards a higher state of being, whilst Maslow related self-actualisation to "peak experiences".
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a psychotherapeutic strategy that focuses on taking action. It combines acceptance and mindfulness techniques with commitment and behaviour tactics to enhance psychological flexibility. Mindfulness is not a cognitive process, but rather a practice of awareness. It urges us to fully engage with each present moment, rather than becoming caught up in a whirlwind of internal thoughts and worries. Mindfulness is increasingly becoming a crucial component of psychological therapies in Western societies.
Mindfulness practice, often linked to stress reduction and a sense of calm, has been proven to strengthen memory, as well as increase awareness, empathy, and compassion.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a proactive and cooperative therapeutic approach that focuses on finding solutions to address and rectify cognitive and emotional biases and issues. By challenging and modifying our thought patterns and emotions, CBT empowers individuals to independently pursue a more fulfilling life.
Although we are unable to alter our past experiences, we have the ability to modify our approach to the present, enabling us to progress towards a more hopeful future.
Systemic therapy operates on the fundamental belief that we are always engaged in collaborative relationships with others.
Individuals do not exist in isolation, but rather are interconnected with others through various social units such as families, social groups, and colleagues. Consequently, a significant number of our problems are mutually experienced.
Systemic therapy focuses on the strengths of the individual and their capacity to respect and understand others’ experiences, beliefs, and culture. By understanding these differences and appreciating the needs of others, systemic therapy has the potential to bring about meaningful change in people’s lives.
Systemic therapy aims to reduce conflict by improving interactions, by recognising deep-rooted patterns. This approach looks at different ways of viewing and understanding those around you and to understand how different factors affect people within your system.
IFS was developed by psychologist Richard Schwartz when he began to observe patterns in how people described their inner lives.
IFS therapy aims to take a compassionate, holistic approach to healing via engaging all parts of your personality in talk therapy. By learning about these parts, we can feel better and more balanced. Some of these sub-personalities consist of wounded parts and painful emotions such as anger and shame, and parts that try and control and protect the person from the pain of the wounded parts. The sub-personalities are often in conflict with each other and with one’s core Self, a concept that describes the confident, compassionate, whole person that is at the core of every individual.
IFS focuses on healing the wounded parts and restoring mental balance and harmony by changing the dynamics that create discord among the sub-personalities and the Self.
FEES - Please contact each practitioner directly.
£95 - £110
For in-person sessions
£85
For online sessions