Many people are frightened or unsure of therapy. For most it makes us feel weak or vulnerable or at times we feel we are the only ones not coping. If you feel this way, then finding a therapist can be very daunting. Many of us feel like this but are unable to admit it for fear of being different. Feeling weak is actually our strength we just don’t know it yet.
If you have come this far, then maybe you are wondering what adult therapy is all about. Or maybe you might already have some idea. Well first of all you don’t have to commit to anything. The first step is to actually come and meet with me. Arrange an assessment/consultation appointment by emailing me or calling me on the office telephone number, or my mobile. If I don’t answer straight away, please don’t worry, I may be in a session and as soon as I am free, I will contact you.
Assessment/consultation sessions
I allow a longer session for our first meeting so there is enough time for you to decide if I am the therapist for you and enough time for you to be able to discuss what you need to. Please don’t worry about this, because for so many of us, we don’t actually know why we feel the way we do. That’s ok. It’s my job to help you understand why you may be feeling the way you do. Don’t know what to say? That’s ok too. I’m not here to judge you, I’m here to understand you and accept so you can understand and accept yourself. During this assessment/consultation it will give you the opportunity to decide if you would like to continue with further sessions and to ask any questions.
Once we’ve met and you feel that you would like to proceed
Therapy sessions are an hour long and they’re on the same time and day, every week. Longer sessions can be arranged by appointment if required. The process is a gentle one and is based on a person-centred approach, which means I follow you. There is no judgement, only understanding. In the therapy room I have and use sand-tray therapy, clay work, art, painting and creative visualisation. At times we don’t always have words to express how we feel and using creative mediums allows us to explore in a non-verbal way. This allows our unconscious the time and respect to explore at its own pace. The power of healing comes from within. You already have your own answers. You just need to find them. Please don’t worry if you can’t draw or don’t feel creative. This is not a requirement of the therapy. It’s not about being good, it’s about expressing that, what we cannot put into words. So even if you don’t know why you feel like you do, your unconscious certainly will. However if you just want to talk, this is ok too.
How many sessions will I need?
Well that is up to you. Once we agree a time and day, that session is yours until you decide you no longer need/want to come. For some people they may need just a few sessions and for others they may need months or years. This simply means that at certain stages of our lives we may need a different type of support or therapy.
Reasons to come to Therapy
There are many reasons to come to therapy. See the list below, but at times we just may not have a reason but we still feel we need to seek support. This is absolutely normal because although you may not feel you have a reason, your body or your life might be telling you otherwise. Many of us experience unwanted behaviours or illnesses which may be related to emotional issues that we are unaware of. In therapy we focus on the source of the problem rather than suppressing the symptom. It’s my job to help you find the source and cure the symptom.
Symptoms
- Feeling depressed or low
- Withdrawn or feelings of wanting to keep the world out
- OCD behaviours
- Angry/Aggressive outbursts
- Feelings of being lost, lonely or sad
- Self-harming
- Eating disorders – anorexia, bulimia
- Suicidal feelings
- Difficulties forming friendships or relationships
- Extreme controlling behaviour
- Unable to concentrate/hyperactivity
- Unable to sleep or loss of appetite, or extreme eating/bingeing
- Anxiety/panic attacks
- Chronic fatigue
- Phobias
- Low self-esteem
- Marital or relationship issues
- Addictions – drug, alcohol, sex
- Criticising or bullying behaviour
- No connections to feelings – unable to freely express emotions
“Focus on the source of the symptom, rather than suppressing the behaviour.” Sharon Flower
Possible reasons for therapy
- Divorce
- Bereavement
- Sexual/physical abuse
- Emotional abuse
- Stress
- Autism/ADHD/Asperger’s
- Trauma
- Postnatal depression
- Depression
- No emotional connections to parents
- Being adopted or fostered
- Being bullied
Confidentiality
All sessions are conducted in the strictest confidence and adhered to an ethical framework. All notes and information are kept in a locked cupboard and I am a member of PTUK and hold PSA registration. I am CRB/DBS checked and I have adequate professional indemnity and public liability insurance. I receive clinical supervision for all of my work and undertake regular professional training known as CPD.
Call me on 020 8306 5174 or 07951 485643 or send a message.