London based online counselling & psychotherapy
Therapies
Counselling Psychology
Counselling psychology is a distinct profession within psychology with a specialist focus, which links most closely to the allied professions of psychotherapy and counselling.
It pays particular attention to the meanings, beliefs, context and processes that are constructed both within and between people and which affect the psychological well being of the person. Counselling psychologists focus on people’s mental representations of events, and the particular significance of these for relationships with themselves and with others (source, BPS).
Counselling psychology adopts the scientist-practitioner model requiring a solid grasp of research (counselling psychologists are often involved in research themselves), developmental psychology, brain function and neurology (the more biological aspects of mental life) as well as competence in therapeutic work.
Individual Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy knows its roots in the history of psychoanalysis and its fascination with unconscious aspects of personality. This more awareness focused approach is best suited to those wishing to understand their predicament and develop freer, more creative ways of being within themselves, with others and in their love relationships.
In reaction to these in depth approaches other methodologies were eventually developed ranging from the more behavioural, cognitive behavioural and systemic approaches adding new ways of providing psychological intervention. I am also trained in these less intensive, but at times equally effective approaches.
The choice of methodology will be made in consultation with yourself , depending on your situation and in a personalised manner.
Couple Psychotherapy
Couple therapy or marriage counselling allows a couple to examine established patterns of relating supported by the therapist's input. Often life leads to a loss of connection of an emotional, intellectual or sexual type and this can be extremely upsetting. The influence of life events or third parties can lead to relationships becoming very difficult places to be in. Couple psychotherapy aims to lead to an appreciation of the behavioural and environmental factors, beliefs and feelings that undermine happiness.
Sometimes, couple therapy allows personal difficulties to be explored with the support of one's partner. This is a recent development in couple psychotherapy and one that offers promise to individuals that have found a more individual approach too upsetting or unhelpful.
I specialised in couple psychotherapy at Tavistock Relationships, a world renowned centre of excellence in the field. I then worked as a senior clinician at the institute for many years and served as one of the clinical heads until recently.