Counselling in Long Ashton

I am an integrative therapist specialising in using eye-movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy to treat a wide range of psychological issues. I am highly trained in psychotherapy, neuroscience and trauma and believe that our current issues can often be traced back to early adverse experiences in childhood. Compared to standard talking therapy EMDR generally takes a shorter amount of time to get to the root cause of the issue. Rather than just dealing with symptom management (like CBT), EMDR therapy works directly with the cause of your distress.

Are anxiety and depression getting in the way of you enjoying your life? Perhaps you're experiencing difficulties in your relationship, with your career, or with your opinion of yourself? You’re not alone. 1 in 4 of us will experience mental health difficulties in our lifetime. Fortunately, more and more people are now reaching out to learn how to overcome it. If you’re experiencing difficulties such as excessive worrying, sleepless nights, low motivation or unhelpful thoughts around “not been good enough”, “being a burden” or simply “not being able to cope”, then you may be among the many others who have benefitted from therapy.

CBT is an ideal treatment for clients who are looking to change, whether that be to make some changes in the way in which they think about things, or some changes in the way in which they go about day to day life. Some of this change may involve learning new skills, for example, assertiveness. In addition to helping clients feel confident and autonomous throughout treatment, CBT can also help clients come to an understanding of 'why', E.G. what is it about you, your experiences and vulnerabilities which perhaps help explain why you struggle with X (E.G. Anxiety). This is often validating and helpful rather than self blaming.

I work with clients who have the following problems; relationship difficulties, anxiety, depression, loss & seperation, trauma, addiction, sexual issues

I completed my Doctorate in Clinical Psychology in 2004 and have worked in NHS adult psychological therapies services since that time. I have worked as a Consultant Clinical Psychologist and Lead Clinician for an NHS service in West London before re-locating to the South-West and working in private practice.

Counselling provides a confidential and safe space to talk about anything that may be worrying you. It can often help you to understand more about the difficult or troubling thoughts that can be a common experience at any time in our lives. My aim is to listen attentively, in confidence, and to be non-judgemental. I offer personal support to enable my clients to explore their inner-selves and their feelings in order to help them to achieve personal growth.

We are currently living in a really unprecedented, uncertain and confusing time. Anxiety can rise, health anxiety feels very real, we can feel confused and lonely wondering how can we reach out and feel less alone, along with feeling listened to and supported. At the moment, every day there are new messages from the media, social media, and even the Government, which can feel overwhelming. Being able to sit with the unknown, the uncertainty of what will and is happening can feel really challenging.