1-1 Sessions
I provide a safe container and reliable authentic relationship, allowing an opportunity to reflect, explore and be inspired, free from the roles, restrictions and risk of judgment that can be present in other relationships and settings.
I approach therapy from a place of compassion. I’ve concluded that everyone is doing the best they can, often in challenging circumstances.
The following are aspects of my way of working.
Psychotherapy
I work in a way that supports that natural process of healing. This tends to involve a movement from the head to the heart, from thinking to sensing, and deepening of the embodied experience. And, at the same time, opening to the spaciousness, connection, and innate sense of well-being that is always present – even if it has become covered over.
Bringing these principles into therapy provides a powerful but gentle way of engaging with inner elements such as emotions and mental states, which can be met and navigated effectively and safely through these means.
Through following the organic process over time, certain themes and elements emerge and bring themselves into the space for contemplation and integration.
And as therapy progresses, there tends to be a deepening connection to inner knowing and inner resources; new perspectives emerge, and old coping strategies can be released as more creative and nuanced ways of relating to life appear.
“If there is one thing that a person needs from another human being, it’s to be appreciated, to be listened to, to be heard. Just as you are, not as I would make you.” – Ram Dass
Relationship
Relationship, and connections of all kinds, are an inherent part of human experience. So, feelings and thoughts about previous and present relationships would naturally be a part of the work. The relationship in the therapy room is also significant as, it’s a ‘here and now’ example of relationship, and it is a safe setting to experiment and experience new possibilities for relating that can be carried across into day to day life.
Somatic or Body Awareness
The whole self is included in the therapeutic work, so this includes body symptoms and sensations and the way that various emotions and thoughts resonate in the body. Bringing the entirety of the self into the work supports a connection to the body’s wisdom and knowing. Shifts and changes at this level often provide immediate and noticeable benefits.
iRest Yoga Nidra
For those who find it beneficial, I often include embodied meditation practices (influenced by iRest Yoga Nidra) into the 1-1 work. This supports connection to helpful internal states that, over time, can be accessed independently. The practices regulate the nervous system and also bypass the rational mind providing information not otherwise seen. I can provide recordings of meditations for use at home between sessions if this is desired. (Although there is absolutely no requirement to do this).
Presence
Presence is at the heart of how I work. The philosophy of mindfulness states that presence or awareness is in and of itself reorganising. So the practice of paying attention to and welcoming things out of the shadows and into the light is helpful and healing.
People often say that they don’t understand how talking will help them. This is true actually, just talking won’t change anything. But holding things in presence is deeply transformational.
EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques)
EFT is a practice where the body’s meridians are gently tapped in a sequence. This calms the emotions and the nervous system and restores balance. These practices have been clinically observed to relieve distress and accelerate the process of therapy.
Family Constellations / Systemic Constellations
Family or systemic constellations therapy brings in an awareness of the individual being a part of wider interconnected ‘systems’ such as the family and other groups. This way of working can bring remarkable insights into relationship dynamics and inherited patterns of relating. And it can also be used to understand internal relationships, such as inner tensions or conflicts.
Practicalities
- I mostly work at depth, and this tends to be longer-term work. Although I am open to shorter-term work on occasion.
- Sessions are currently online using Zoom.
- Sessions are an hour in duration.
- Sessions would normally be weekly.
I realise that it can be daunting to seek help and I like to make the process as easy as possible. I offer a free initial Zoom conversation of up to an hour.
The first conversation would usually involve discussing your situation and any hopes or concerns. I can answer any questions you have about me and the way I work, and we can generally work out if we are a good match to work together. You can decide, following this, if you would like to continue and we can discuss how best to move forward.
Cost for 1-1 sessions
Standard sessions are £75 per hour.
