Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy and Counselling
Qualifications:
I have been a qualified psychodynamic counsellor for 13 years, having obtained first a Certificate and then a Diploma in Psychodynamic Counselling. In 2007 I started on a very demanding and intensive course to become a Psychoanalytic Psychotherapist at WPF Therapy (formerly Westminster Pastoral Foundation) in London and I graduated in 2013.
I am not qualified to work with children or adolescents.
Throughout my career I have worked with a variety of people with different forms of psychological distress including bereavement, depression, anxiety, dissociation, relationship problems, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, self-harm and lack of self-esteem (See full list). I have worked with people who have been sexually abused in childhood and people who are being bullied at work or in other settings. Having been employed in a counselling/advising role at a national disability charity, I have considerable knowledge and experience of the issues surrounding genetically transmitted syndromes and their effects on families.
I have gained experience in many different settings, including the NHS, a local community counselling centre and private practice. I also have experience of working with people with learning disabilities and autism. I have spent some considerable time observing in a psychiatric ward alongside the consultant psychiatrist as part of my course. I have trained in long-term three times per week psychotherapy, but am equally at ease with working once a week and/or in a time-limited way (12 or 20 sessions), depending on the issues that a client brings.
I am a Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and have recently been successful in passing the BACP Certificate of Proficiency, which has allowed me to be registered with BACP. I am also a member of the Institute of Psychotherapy and Disability and Member of the Foundation for Psychotherapy and Counselling (FPC), which is the professional organisation for therapists who have graduated from WPF. I am also registered with the British Psychotherapy Council (BPC).
Supervision:
I receive weekly supervision from a senior Jungian Training Analyst, who is a member of Association of Jungian Analysts (AJA). Supervision is strictly confidential and client’s personal details are not disclosed to maintain confidentiality.
Personal Therapy:
I also have experience of therapy from the other side of the room in that I have had personal therapy and analysis for the past 17 years. All psychoanalytic psychotherapists in training at WPF are required to undergo three times weekly analysis with a senior analyst. This is considered to be the most important part of the training experience.
What is Psychodynamic counselling?
Psychodynamic counsellors aim to relieve people’s psychological distress by exploring the root causes of the person’s difficulties which often stem from their childhood experiences. This knowledge is then used to help the client to understand their reactions and feelings which are restricting them and causing them distress in the present, and to help them to find the means to change things in their lives.
Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy is usually conducted on a 2 or 3 session per week basis, depending on the client’s needs and can be very helpful for people with deep-seated, long-term problems which require more time to explore and a more intensive treatment. The relationship between client and therapist is very important in effecting change.
Whether you would like to come for Counselling or for Psychotherapy, you would be offered a 90-minute consultation which is an opportunity for you as a client to see whether you feel comfortable working with me and for me to see whether what I have to offer is suitable for your needs. After the initial consultation, if you feel you would like to continue to work with me, we would find a time slot which is mutually convenient and this would remain your session time for the duration of the therapy. Sessions after the initial consultation last 50 minutes. All sessions are absolutely confidential.
My psychotherapy practice is easily accessible from Addington, Addiscombe, Beckenham, Bromley, Caterham, Central Croydon, East and West Croydon Stations, South Croydon Station, Farley, Kenley, New Addington, Purley, Sanderstead, Selsdon, Shirley, South Norwood, Wallington, Warlingham, West Wickham, Whiteleaf.
These are the issues and problems that I have had experience of working with: Abuse , Affairs and Betrayals, Anxiety , Bereavement, Bullying, Depression, Disability Issues , Emotional Abuse , Generalised anxiety, Low Self-confidence, Low Self-esteem, Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) , Panic Disorder , Post Traumatic Stress Disorder , Postnatal Depression , Relationship problems, Separation and Divorce , Sexual Abuse , Sexuality , Stress , Termination/abortion/miscarriages , Trauma , Work related issues.
