I have always been fascinated by models of psychotherapy and the science of psychology. So how we can “change our minds” and move on from crisis, and how we can make sense of difficulty in our lives so that we grow and develop rather than live in despair. We often need a period of help and support while we do this.
My approach uses integrative therapy, which really means that I use many different approaches depending on which best suits my client’s needs. These include Person Centred therapy, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Gestalt, Transactional Analysis and Mindfulness. Each one is slightly different and during different stages of the client’s therapy journey some may be more appropriate.
I also work with my clients in a psychoeducational way. I think it’s important to understand why we may think in certain ways and how sometimes we get stuck in unhelpful patterns of behaviour. Sometimes this can come from historical trauma and from learned coping mechanisms. My aim always is to allow my client to have a place to talk through difficulties and find solutions to those issues as well as ways of managing life should they reoccur. This is particularly helpful with people who suffer recurrent anxiety and depression.
I worked for many years at a women’s’ refuge in North Devon with clients and families impacted by domestic and sexual violence. As well as the primary trauma those situations can also lead to long term depression and anxiety.
I then worked for a year at the University of Plymouth and have a particular interest in working with young people.
The therapeutic relationship between the client and therapist is just as important as the type of therapy we use in the therapy room. For that reason, I like to talk to clients within our first appointment to see if we would be able to work together and that I am the best therapist for their needs.