Services

Often, the terms "counselling" and "psychotherapy" are used interchangeably, and while they share the common goal of supporting well-being and personal growth, there are some nuanced differences. Understanding these distinctions can help you feel more informed about the support I offer.

Counselling often focuses on more immediate issues, life transitions, or specific problems. It tends to be shorter-term and aims to help you develop coping strategies, problem-solve, and gain clarity in particular areas of your life. Think of it as navigating a specific challenge or making a significant decision.

Psychotherapy, on the other hand, often delves deeper into long-standing patterns, emotional difficulties, and your overall psychological structure. It tends to be a longer-term process that explores the roots of your challenges, fostering deeper self-understanding and lasting change in how you relate to yourself and the world. It's about exploring the landscape of your inner world.

My Integrated Approach:

In my practice, I don't see counselling and psychotherapy as entirely separate entities. Instead, I draw upon the principles and techniques of both to tailor our work together to your unique needs and goals.

• Initially, we might focus on more immediate concerns and utilise counselling techniques to provide support, develop practical strategies, and build a strong therapeutic relationship.

• As our work evolves, or if deeper patterns emerge, we might transition into a more psychotherapeutic approach, exploring the underlying roots of your difficulties and fostering greater self-awareness and emotional processing.

This integrated approach allows for flexibility and ensures that we can address both the immediate challenges you're facing and the deeper patterns that might be contributing to them. My aim is to provide you with the support you need, whether that involves focused problem-solving or a more in-depth exploration of your inner world.

Ultimately, the most important aspect is the therapeutic relationship we build together and the collaborative exploration of what will best support your growth and well-being.

Creative therapy, as I practice it, offers a unique and insightful path to emotional exploration for individuals of all ages. While traditional art forms like painting and drawing can be valuable, I frequently incorporate a range of symbolic tools to facilitate deeper self-understanding. Picture and word cards can unlock hidden narratives, allowing us to explore complex emotions through visual and linguistic associations, beneficial for adults seeking deeper self-reflection, children expressing complex feelings, and teens navigating identity. Matryoshka dolls offer a layered approach to understanding inner selves, revealing different aspects of personality and experiences, useful for all ages to explore their internal world. Sandtray work provides a tactile and symbolic landscape for processing emotions and creating external representations of internal states, allowing for safe expression for children who struggle to verbalise, teens exploring social situations, and adults processing past trauma. Crystals can be used as tools for focusing intention and exploring energetic connections, and guided imagery allows us to access and explore inner landscapes, fostering self-awareness and healing, both effective for all ages. This approach is not about artistic skill; it's about using these creative mediums to externalise and explore internal experiences. These tools can facilitate communication, emotional regulation, and self-discovery, providing a gentle and insightful way to process difficult emotions and promote personal growth in adults, children, and teens.

Walk & Talk therapy combines the therapeutic benefits of counselling with the revitalising power of nature, offering a dynamic and engaging approach to personal growth. This modality moves away from the traditional office setting, taking sessions outdoors into natural environments such as parks, trails, or gardens. The rhythmic motion of walking, coupled with the fresh air and natural surroundings, can help to reduce stress, promote relaxation, and enhance overall well-being. The change in environment can create a more relaxed and open atmosphere, fostering a deeper sense of connection between therapist and client. This approach can be particularly beneficial for individuals who find traditional therapy settings restrictive or intimidating. Walk & Talk therapy encourages physical movement, which can release endorphins and improve mood, while also providing a different perspective on personal challenges. The natural environment can act as a metaphor for personal growth and change, allowing for deeper reflection and insight. This modality offers a unique opportunity to integrate physical and emotional well-being, promoting a holistic approach to healing and personal development.

Online therapy offers a flexible and accessible approach to counselling, allowing individuals to access professional support from the comfort and convenience of their own homes. This modality utilises a secure video conferencing platform, providing a virtual face-to-face experience that maintains the therapeutic connection and confidentiality of traditional in-person sessions. Online therapy is particularly beneficial for individuals with busy schedules, limited mobility, or those who prefer the privacy and convenience of virtual sessions. It eliminates the need for travel, making therapy more accessible to those in remote areas or with time constraints. This modality allows for a seamless continuation of therapy, regardless of geographical location. Through the online platform, I can utilise a variety of therapeutic techniques, adapting them to the virtual environment. This includes talk therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), and other therapeutic approaches. Online therapy provides a safe and supportive space for individuals to explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences, fostering personal growth and emotional well-being. This modality ensures that individuals can receive the support they need, regardless of their circumstances, promoting mental health and accessibility.