Therapy
What is psychodynamic counselling?
Psychodynamic counselling is a talking therapy that uses the relationship between the client and the therapist to explore thoughts, feelings, and experiences to make sense of where the client is now. Clients may have a particular issue or feeling they are struggling with or may be seeking clarity around repeating patterns or behaviours that are making them feel stuck.
The Curation of Life…
The intentional creation of a life that is meaningful and full of purpose
by consciously selecting relationships, experiences and activities that bring joy and satisfaction.
The goals of psychodynamic counselling…
…are to help the client understand and modify the psychological defences they have developed, and to create a healthier capacity to manage and express their emotions. We all hold both conscious and unconscious beliefs based on our early experiences and by deepening the client’s understanding of their inner workings, they can better relate to others and live a more fulfilling life.
This type of therapy works well for a wide range of presenting problems including anxiety, stress, depression, relationships, eating disorders, addiction, childhood trauma and other family related issues.
How can we work together?
in person
Session length: 50 minutes
Regularity: Usually weekly, held at the same time each week.
Location: My private office in Birch, just outside of Colchester.
Cost: Current rates start at £60 for a 50-minute session.
online
Session length: 50 minutes
Regularity: Usually weekly, held at the same time each week.
Location: Online, from the comfort of your home, via Zoom.
Cost: Current rates start at £60 for a 50-minute session.
Frequently asked questions…
What qualifications do you have?
I have an MA in Psychodynamic Counselling and am a registered member of the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (BACP), which means I have met their standard of clinical training. I must work within their Ethical Framework and am obliged to remain committed to ongoing professional development.
In addition to this I have an MSc in Psychology and am a graduate member of the British Psychological Society (BPS).
I hold a current Enhanced DBS certificate.
What happens after I contact you?
When I receive an enquiry regarding therapy, I will reply by email and arrange a time for a telephone or video call so that we can introduce ourselves and you can tell me more about why you are seeking counselling. This is a good opportunity for you to ask any questions that you may have and decide if you would like to book an appointment for a full consultation. There is no cost for this initial call and all information will be confidential.
A full consultation appointment can be face-to-face or on Zoom and will usually be a 50-minute session. The cost for this appointment is £50.
Who do you work with?
I am qualified to work with adults, children, and young people. For children, the format of the session is adapted to include art, play doh, games and toys, to suit their age.
What facilities do you have at your office?
My private office is in Birch, just outside of Colchester, with green field views. There is a communal kitchen area with comfortable seating and tea and coffee making facilities, toilets, and lots of free parking.
Please note: the office is on the first floor with stair access only.
How does confidentiality work?
Everything that we discuss together will be confidential and will not be shared. Any information held will be password protected and dealt with in line with current GDPR legislation.
There are only two exceptions to this, which we can discuss in your consultation. If I am concerned that you, or someone else, is at serious risk of harm, we will discuss this concern together and then I may seek additional support from your GP or other healthcare professional.
Therapists are also required to have supervision, where we can discuss issues that arise through our work with a qualified supervisor. This ensures that I am treating you appropriately and taking care of my own mental health. Supervisors are under the same duty of confidentiality as I am as a therapist.
Can you advise me about medication?
I am not a medical doctor and am unable to advise about or prescribe medication. If you feel that medication would benefit you, please contact your GP. Before beginning therapy, please let me know if you are currently taking any medication and any change of dosage during our work.
How does online counselling work?
I use the Zoom platform to work online and will email you a link each week before the session. The call is hosted by me and will not be recorded. I will ensure that I am working in my office for privacy and to protect your confidentiality, just as I would if we were meeting in person. Some clients prefer face-to-face work, but the ability to meet online makes therapy more accessible for others. It is also possible to do a combination of both if occasional online appointments make it easier to attend regularly.
How many sessions will I need?
There is no simple answer to this question as no two therapy journeys are the same. I can work short- or long-term depending on your circumstances. I usually recommend at least 8 sessions to establish a therapeutic relationship and begin to explore the presenting issue in some depth, but there is no minimum commitment. Work can also be open-ended, and progress can be reviewed at regular intervals.
How much do you charge?
My current rate is £60 for a 50-minute session.
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