My Approach to Therapy

 

There isn’t one fixed way I work. Therapy isn’t about applying a formula,  it is about responding to you.

 

I draw on different therapeutic approaches and use what best fits your goals, your difficulties and how you think and relate to others.

 

Some sessions are more reflective, helping us to understand patterns that have been with you for a long time. Others are more  focused on developing strategies that might help you cope or make changes in the here and now.  Most of the time, it is a mixture of both. 

 

Making Sense of Patterns and Relationships (Psychodynamic & Interpersonal Therapy)

 

We pay attention to emotional patterns and relationship experiences,  past and in the here and now,  that shape how you respond, cope, and connect with others today. This can help make sense of recurring struggles, stuck feelings, or reactions that feel familiar but hard to shift.

Understanding these patterns often brings relief and opens up new choices.

 

Using Strategies & Tools for When Things Feel Overwhelming (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy - CBT)

 

At times, it can be helpful to work more directly with thoughts, emotions, and behaviours triggered or maintained by ongoing events. CBT offers structure and focused tools that can reduce feeling anxious, low in mood, overwhelm, increase clarity which can be helpful to feel more balanced when life feels demanding.

 

Focusing on Relationships and Life Changes (Interpersonal Psychotherapy- IPT)

 

IPT looks closely at how relationships, communication, and life transitions affect mood and wellbeing. This approach can be especially useful when difficulties are linked to conflict, loss, role changes, or feeling disconnected from others.

The aim is to strengthen communication, confidence, and emotional support.

 

Creating Emotional Flexibility and Self-Compassion (Acceptance & Commitment Therapy & Compassion-Focused Therapy)

 

When helpful, we may include elements of ACT or Compassion-Focused Therapy. These approaches can support emotional resilience, reduce harsh self-criticism and may support and encourage you to relate differently to difficult thoughts and feelings without having to fight or suppress them.

 

Do I Need to Know Which Therapy I Want?

 

No. You don’t need to arrive with a clear idea of the “right” therapy.

We’ll work it out together, based on what you want to change, what feels most difficult right now, and what supports your way of working best. The approach can shift over time as your needs change.