I'm a chartered counselling psychologist, working in central London (W1C). I work individually with adults of all ages. I have two main approaches, which often overlap: relational psychodynamic practice and trauma therapy. To give you an idea of what the  first means, through our life experiences (including trauma) we develop expectations about relationships, and our own and others’ roles within them. These expectations are accompanied by stable patterns of feelings and thoughts. Often these relational expectations can be helpful. But sometimes they can cause, contribute to or perpetuate a lot of distress. These expectations are also often so ingrained that they sit beyond our conscious awareness.

So in our work together, I provide a safe, welcoming and reflective space to consider these relational patterns and expectations, and how they relate to whatever is troubling you: which relationships worsen your distress and which ones lessen it. This helps you get a better understanding of yourself and your life, and gives space for change. This way of working has been shown to be effective in reducing distress, facilitating positive change and developing more helpful ways of coping. This is the basis of my work as an accredited DIT (dynamic interpersonal therapy) practitioner.

The other main area of my work is trauma. Trauma is the overwhelming experience of helplessness. As such, it can—and often does—radically affect our sense of ourselves, others and the world, with significant consequences for our lives. Our memories play a key role here: memories of traumatic experiences are often experienced as reliving, rather than remembering these events. This can be very frightening, and can understandably lead us to try to avoid anything that may trigger memories of the traumatic experience. Reliving and avoidance are key features of post-traumatic states, including PTSD.

I’m trained in several trauma therapies, but I mainly use EMDR and am a member of the EMDR Association UK. EMDR targets traumatic memories and allows us to process them, so that they no longer trigger such distress and / or avoidance. This can make a big difference to our lives, and again allows space for positive change. EMDR has a lot of evidence that supports its effectiveness: while we can’t change what happened to you, we can change how that affects you. This can dramatically affect your life for the better.

In addition to relationship issues and trauma, I have 10+ years’ experience working with a wide range of issues in private practice, the NHS, and the voluntary sector. These include depression, anxiety, abuse, anger issues, addiction & other compulsive behaviours, bereavement / grief,  OCD and suicidal thoughts / behaviour. And I am experienced in working with diagnoses of borderline personality disorder / EUPD.

I can work in the short term with a focus on a particular issue, or long term, looking at life experiences in depth. I offer an initial consultation to discuss your expectations and needs, where we can decide which approach might work best for you. I can work in-person work or online, if that would be more convenient. And I’m a member of the BPS, EMDR Association UK and am registered with the BPC and HCPC. I adhere to their codes of practice.

I know that taking the decision to have counselling or therapy can be daunting. If you're thinking about therapy but aren't sure, please get in touch and we can have an initial phone conversation.