Background and Philosophy
My journey in psychotherapy expands across nearly 15 years when I began my studies in psychology and then went on to join the pharmaceutical industry and became involved in learning about the area of treatment and management of people living with a mental illness namely schizophrenia and depression. I continued my journey by since completing further post graduate qualifications in counselling and psychotherapy and I integrate all of my acquired skills in all my client work.
Who do I see?...
I am very comfortable working with people from all backgrounds with various needs and reasons to come to counselling or psychotherapy. I can provide a space for people to come and share their stories with me or simply sit in silence away from their worlds seeking some form or solace whether it is for bereavement or relaxation.
I work with individuals, couples - straight or gay, families and supportive group work.
My approach and style...
My approach is based on an existential philosophy and I believe each one of us has all the resources to resolve their dilemmas and I see my role as one to assist in the facilitation of change, whether that be with an individual, a couple, a family or a group of individuals. In this way my approach is collaborative in style and if music and art helps clients then I can work with that as well.
How I Work...
I do not have a directive style where I see you as the “sick” one, or the “patient” who needs to get well, and I am there to tell you how to do it - we all have a capacity for self-awareness, freedom of choice, responsibility, anxiety, a fear of death, of being in relation with others and being alone. We just at times can’t see it all very clearly through the fog - it’s hazy and so we feel stuck in life; cannot move forward; feel scared and even paralysed at times.
I will aim to work in the present with you even if that means having to delve in to your past family traits or patterns to help you understand your present way of being. I base my work here on Murray Bowan’s Family Systems Theory. From here stems my eclectic approach of combining a number of modalities to suit your needs. For example, a Cognitive Behavioural Approach (CBT) for someone living with anxiety and depression combined with homework does not work for all however, does work for many so I tailor my approach according to whatever you need.
What you may experience...
You may develop a greater awareness of self, perhaps realize a greater authenticity which could automatically result in a shift of self that you could reflect on and consequently integrate in order to help with your current existence within a relationship, themselves or with others. Ultimately you gain greater insight and learn to reflect on your life and become more able to examine the role you play in whatever is concerning you.
In essence “Being You” is all about this.
You will learn to have a greater sense of self which can bring about change of any form...
a new perspective;
a better way of communicating;
a new reflection on life;
finding a new meaning;
a new freedom of choice;
an awareness of all the beliefs and assumptions you have been brought up with and in turn...develop a new way of being to view problems and what you can do about these concerns.
Hopefully, along this journey through counselling or deeper therapy into self, you will be enabled to establish clearer goals for yourself and develop an overall feeling of greater wellness through increased positive change once sessions are no longer necessary.
How Long will it take?
The amount of sessions are not always finite and there will be as many as it takes until one feels relief around and within whatever their tensions may be in life at the present time. It is the discovery of who “You” are, perhaps where ”You’ve” come from, leading you to new ways of being “You” when and if change happens.