Therapy is an opportunity to explore ourselves, our relationships and our beliefs at a deeper level than in daily life. Its aim is personal development, with the goal of improving one’s sense of well-being, authenticity, and fulfilment. Unlike psychiatrists, therapists are not trained in diagnosis or medication, and work with a variety of issues by focusing on the underlying structure and dynamics of personality.

I believe clients want to speak to someone who understands not only the intricacies of psychological theory, but how their struggles relate to both modern and systemic pressures, such as oppression, environmental degradation, digital exposure, spiritual alienation, collapse of social networks, political upheaval, and economic struggle. Our symptoms are linked not only to our formative experiences, also to the broad historic and social fabric that ties us all together.

While therapy and coaching are both paths to self-development, therapists have a legal duty of care towards clients and must abide by professional ethics (e.g. the BACP Ethical Framework)(https://www.bacp.co.uk/events-and-resources/ethics-and-standards/ethical-framework-for-the-counselling-professions/). To qualify, many psychotherapists, including myself, undergo years of personal analysis alongside practical experience and supervision to develop the self-awareness and personal strengths required for the role.

Highly motivated clients can see results quickly, although the true length of therapy depends on many factors, such as the nature of underlying issues, the client’s objectives, their commitment, and affordability. As a general rule, the deeper and more ingrained the issue, the longer it will take to explore and heal. You are always in control of your therapy and can pause or end it whenever you like.

For sustained change, weekly sessions are recommended. For scheduling reasons, fortnightly sessions are usually only available to longer-term clients.

Sessions are offered at £75 per 50 minutes (a 4% fee is charged on payments using foreign currencies and cards). A limited number of lower-cost slots are available for those who need them, please feel free to enquire when you reach out.

I work only with clients aged 18 and above.

Therapy is deeply collaborative: the therapist’s job is to guide and accompany while the client actively engages with a complex, rewarding yet sometimes daunting task. Given the commitment, you should consider for yourself, after asking any questions and learning about the process, if therapy is right for you.

With a strong understanding of the cause and nature of each client’s presenting symptoms, most issues—such as anxiety, despair, trauma, compulsions, obsessions, phobias, anger, relationship issues etc.—can be improved, with or without formal diagnosis. Research consistently shows that success is most likely when the client is open, ready and committed to the journey.

Therapy is a journey of self-development, and can be started at any stage of life. When not in crisis, clients in therapy actively learn about themselves, working on their emotional, interpersonal and spiritual skills.

Many clients undergo significant personal and professional changes as a result of therapy. While the outcome looks different for everyone, some common signs of successful therapy are listed below: • Improvement in despair, anxiety, tension, and other presenting symptoms; • Improved interpersonal relationships; • Feelings of empowerment and agency; • Improved freedom of expression; • Improved awareness and understanding of own psychological and emotional processes; • Unlearning of false knowledge and assumptions; • Thoughts, feelings and behaviours are more grounded in reality, and are no longer contradictory; • Improved self-acceptance and self-compassion, and decrease in self-judgement and self-criticism; • Deepened sense of connection with one’s self, others and the world; • Feeling of ease towards future challenges.

Most clients feel apprehensive before their first session. Some worry about feeling exposed, others fear they will be judged, while others think asking for help means they have failed or that therapy is a self-indulgence. These are natural concerns, and only by engaging in therapy can these anxieties, along with many others, be confronted and overcome. You may find therapy is a space to be heard and accepted for who you are, not who you are expected to be.

Please call 999 or go to your local accident and emergency department if you or anyone else’s life is at risk, or if you don’t think you can keep yourself safe. You can also try calling 111 option 2 to access mental health support. You can reach the Samaritans’ 24/7 free and confidential listening service by calling 116 123.