Aviva Counselling in E4

I have over 25 years experience working with individuals who have experienced PTSD, BPD, trauma, depression, child neglect, sexual abuse and anxiety. I work predominantly within the psychodynamic model of psychotherapy. This type of therapy focuses on revealing the unconscious impact that trauma and other difficulties have had and continue to have on our lives. It helps us to understand the root causes of difficult emotions, behaviours, feelings, bringing them into the conscious mind where they can be processed and understood. This helps to bring about healing and the resolution of destructive patterns of behaviours and thinking.

I'm Alec, an Integrative Psychotherapist working in London and online. Until we work them through, past experiences can keep us feeling stuck, repeating old patterns and limiting who we can be. I offer a warm, safe and supportive space where we can begin to talk about your present challenges, identify and work on patterns that might be causing you difficulty, and ultimately, help you to develop new and more fulfilling ways of being in the world.

Whether you are experiencing a crisis, traumatic event or a recurring difficulty, it can be helpful to get support rather than struggle on your own. Alternatively you may cope well but are feeling uncertain about the direction of your life. Whatever your needs are, it can be an effective means of addressing your issues. In my experience problems presented are often symptoms for underlying conflicts as well as opportunities for personal growth. Whatever you would like to get support with, I offer a a safe, ethical and confidential space where you can discuss your concerns in a non judgmental and meaningful way.

I specialise in working with children, young people and young adults experiencing anxiety and/or trauma. I support parents and carers alongside work with their child. I work creatively and playfully when appropriate and if welcomed. I feel it is important to get to know each person as a unique individual and build on their strengths in our work together. I work integratively, drawing upon several therapeutic models including CBT and EMDR, depending on what feels appropriate. My team can also offer support with needs including long-term health conditions (diabetes, CFS/ME, asthma), psychosis, self-esteem and anxiety (see my website).

I’m a highly qualified and professionally experienced psychotherapist/counsellor and psychologist. I have abundant experience working with clients from diverse backgrounds and cultures in the NHS and the private settings, for both the short-term and long-term periods. Rather than offering clients so-called expert’s version of advice, I offer therapeutic work tailored to suit the individual needs of clients, whilst acting as a facilitator to the clients’ process to find their own ways to deal with their issues. This will lead the clients to experience self-discovery and self-acceptance while strengthening their self-healing process.

Whether you are having momentary difficulties or are facing long-standing challenges, starting therapy can feel daunting. My approach focuses on creating a safe and supportive space to explore a range of difficulties including low mood and depression, OCD, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, eating and sleeping difficulties, as well as challenges within relationships. Other interests/specialities include racial and intergenerational trauma, difficulties associated with becoming and being a parent (including the perinatal period), as well as work-related challenges. I am now offering ADHD assessment to adults.

Reaching out for help can be daunting so you have already made a positive first step. I am an experienced therapist who has helped people of all ages, genders and backgrounds overcome issues such as anxiety, depression, and anger management problems. My role is to help you understand the source of your current difficulties and find a solution.

Everybody struggles from time to time and sometimes it can get in the way of our lives. Have you noticed changes in your life? Are you worrying more than usual and finding it hard to relax? Maybe you are feeling sad, low in mood or get cross and irritable more quickly? Is it hard to put yourself first or just saying no? Do you feel less motivated or less enjoyment in life? Or have you noticed difficulties with sleeping? Perhaps you don’t feel the way you want. Or do you just feel ‘stuck’? These struggles could be getting in your way or affecting relationships with those closest to you. If so, these are things I can help you with.

It is natural to feel lost or confused when facing emotional difficulties, such as the ending of a relationship, when going through big change or you are feeling overwhelmed by past events. You are not alone if you are experiencing anxiety, unhelpful behaviours or you are feeling isolated. These are human experiences that we can all go through. Psychotherapy provides a calm and non-judgemental space where you can reflect, explore and deal with the difficulties in your life.