Finder

Specialises in

• Behavioural Activation (BA)
• Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
• Counselling

• Psychotherapy
• Short Term Psychodynamic Therapy

• Solution Focused Brief Therapy
• Trauma focused CBT

Offers

• Face-to-face consultations
• Video and telephone consultations

About me

Approach

I approach each client with a sense of vibrancy and enthusiasm and use what is called an integrative framework to understand client needs. This means I am trained in different therapeutic approaches. I use psychodynamic understanding to understand lifelong development and the influence of relationships in our lives. I use humanistic philosophy as my values map. I offer pragmatic and clear psychological understanding through CBT, which is goal orientated and focussed. I am also influenced by the psychology underlying third wave approaches which are centred in mindfulness and presence and cognitive de-fusion.
I work on the basic understanding that our early life, and relationships (especially), influence and shape our outlook, expectations and attitudes. My aim as a therapist is to help you develop understanding about simply ‘what is going on’ and decide what is in fact the best method or process to resolve difficulties.
Therapy is much to do with orientation, purpose and movement towards that which will nourish the self. We cannot bypass human distress; we grow through it. Change is hard to do. Often we first find out what not to do or at least do less of! The process of talking to someone and exploring and supporting ourselves can bring immense value to all of us. Cherishing our life and awareness with energy and compassion is completely fundamental to our process of working together.

Experience

I have always had a fascination for understanding difficulties and working through problems with other people. I bring many years of training (seven as a psychologist and 1 intensive year as a CBT therapist). I have over fifteen years therapeutic experience, including: 3 years experience in the NHS in Somerset as a psychological therapist and CBT therapist; 3 years at King’s College London with students from all over the globe; one year supporting students in an international school in Malaysia; five years in independent practice for insurance companies, national health related companies and agencies.

I specialise in working with long-term conditions, relationship problems (at home or work), trauma and abuse. I am experienced at working with anxiety and depression in all forms. I can offer specialist help with OCD, general anxiety, PTSD, social anxiety and panic disorder. I also work with depression and low mood problems in their interaction (co-morbidity) with a range of other difficulties. I have experience with bi-polar disorder and I work extensively with addressing all types of relationship problems.
I also work with transitional issues such as leaving home, changing jobs, mid-life problems and ending relationships. I also have extensive experience working in specific ways for dealing with stress, work-related issues and interpersonal conflict. I am able to incorporate Buddhist psychology and what are known as mindfulness-orientated approaches. I aim to successfully incorporate these into Western approaches to psychological thinking.

Areas of interest

Depression and anxiety problems
Adolescent problems
Relationship problems
Work place problems
Trauma focussed CBT and counselling
Anxiety disorder GAD
OCD
Panic
Stress
Diet and exercise

Specialist interests and expertise in the following physical conditions

• Psychophysiological disorders