What to expect
The relationship
At the heart of my work is the relationship between client and therapist. I believe that this relationship is central to meaningful therapeutic change, and that trust, care and a sense of safety are essential for it to develop. Relationships can take time to build trust and security, particularly when someone has experienced relationships that have been painful, difficult or unsafe. I believe the therapeutic relationship is no different - It may take time, and there is no expectation that trust needs to be established immediately. I place great importance on psychological and physical safety, as well as confidentiality, creating a space where you can gradually feel able to be open and explore what brings you to therapy. I offer medium- to long-term therapy, allowing the time and space for this relationship to develop and for deeper therapeutic work to take place.
Ethics and confidentiality
I work within the ethical codes and professional standards of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and comply with current data protection legislation. Your privacy and confidentiality are central to my practice, and your personal information will not be shared with third parties without your consent, except where there is a legal or safeguarding requirement to do so. I hold Professional indemnity insurance for all client work.
Initial consultation
It is important to consider whether psychodynamic therapy is right for you at this time. During an initial assessment session, we will explore together whether therapy feels like the right fit for you and whether I am the right therapist to support you. I will ask some more specific questions than I would in ongoing sessions, including what has brought you to therapy, as well as exploring some of your history and relationships. This helps us begin to understand what you are looking for from therapy and what may be helpful for you. Occasionally, a second assessment session may be needed if either of us is uncertain about whether to proceed. There is no pressure to make a decision immediately; the assessment is an opportunity for us both to consider whether working together feels right.
Ongoing sessions
Sessions are held weekly, at the same time and on the same day. They last for 50 minutes, and this session slot will remain reserved for you throughout. The sessions hold no set agenda, and are guided by the thoughts, feelings or issues that you bring on the day. Some may be new or spontaneous, while others may be more longstanding. The content of each session may vary, but each provides an opportunity to talk, reflect and process what emerges, at a pace that feels useful and meaningful to you.