my approach is ...
as human beings...
I believe we are essentially motivated to grow and transform; that we have within us the knowledge we need to heal and to thrive. Attuning to this inner knowledge requires a deep listening which can be facilitated and nurtured by the warm, accepting presence of another.
My approach involves collaborating with you to locate and respond to the wellspring of your own inner wisdom. Together, we’ll find your authentic way of being with, and responding to, the challenges presented in this life.
In session I offer:
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an open, authentic, mature (but not stuffy) presence
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a capacity to empathise as well as challenge, and
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a willingness to journey into the unknown with you, with humility and good humour.
Always and above all I value and appreciate the uniqueness of your life, your story and your essence.
As a psychospiritual therapist I also invite the whole of you into the work, including that which is beyond the realm of this particular existence. Your intentions and experiences with spirituality and/or religion — helpful or otherwise — are recognised, included and worked with where relevant. The magical, mystical and mysterious aspects of you are all welcome.
influences
Skilful therapists attune to their clients and bring relevant elements of their training and experience into the work according to the client's readiness, circumstances and orientation. In my case, these elements broadly arise from humanistic therapies, where, instead of you being a patient with a problem that needs treating, we connect, explore and collaborate to develop your capacity to heal, grow and locate your own inner fulfilment.
The therapeutic approaches that influence and inform my work are listed below:
Person/client-centred Therapy
Attending to your uniqueness, the therapeutic relationship provides space, nourishment and support for change as new, deeper, perspectives are realised, integrated and eventually embodied.
Existential Therapy
Recognising, facing and engaging with the 'givens' of our existence — death, meaning, freedom and isolation — allows us to become more conscious of our choices and the changes necessary to bring more meaning into our lives.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Reminding us to be present with what life brings, ACT invites us to face and open to a wide spectrum of feelings, to respond rather than react, and to engage in chosen, intentional and valued behaviour.
Hakomi
A mindful, somatic approach to psychotherapy, Hakomi combines western psychology, systems theory, body-centred techniques and Eastern philosophy to invite exploration through inner awareness which encourage individual transformation and growth.
Gestalt Therapy
Our social and environmental context affects our experience. Change cannot be forced. And self-awareness is helpfully developed through a focus on the “what and how” — what you are doing and how you are doing it — in the “here and now.”
Internal Family Systems
IFS recognises that we all have sub-personalities, or 'parts', as well as a core, 'witnessing' self. By getting to know our parts, and the relationships between them, we can develop a more harmonious 'internal family' governed by a deeper, core self.
Transpersonal Psychology
Meaning 'beyond the person', transpersonal psychology integrates timeless wisdom with modern Western psychology to address the full spectrum of human psychospiritual development—from our deepest wounds and needs to the most transcendent capacities of our consciousness.