Anxiety Counselling in Oxford

I firmly believe that we are fundamentally relational beings, ones that need security, understanding & care above all else. Real change comes not from trying to fix thinking patterns, self-concepts or the past, but in shifting relational dynamics in the here and now and finding new ways of being with another. This is what I focus on in therapy with my clients, and I draw on my background and experience in modern relational psychoanalysis, developmental theory, and in depth study of phenomenology & existential philosophy to look at what emerges and how that can inform meaningful change in your life.

Hi there! I am Amber, the Director of Healthy Mind Psychology. We aim to be a different type of practice. Our focus includes work with those people trying to cope with all the stresses and strains of unprecedented times upon us. But many struggle with issues outside of the normal narrative of mental health, or physical health too. Our practice aims to explain the stress response (whether that be from overdue bills, a critical family system, a harsh workplace, current or previous traumas, or a host of other things!) and the science behind how the mind/body interact to create physical symptoms, emotional distress, or bad habits!

Many people seek counselling for varying reasons, usually because of issues faced in our daily life which feel challenging or uncomfortable. We may feel stuck, sad, low or confused by an issue happening now or in the past. Perhaps relationships with family, friends or work colleagues feel difficult and awkward to navigate but you don’t quite know the reasons why.

I offer counselling for individuals and I am also a certified Imago relationship therapist, trained to work with couples and family members. I offer you a safe, confidential space to explore those difficult moments in your life. My work reflects three core beliefs: Being genuine, so you can successfully explore the issues that have brought you to seek help. Being accepting and empathic, giving you the opportunity to increase your self-understanding. Providing a non-judgmental and safe place to share your experiences as we work together. I am warm and understanding towards others. I am also a broad-minded Counsellor.

As an experienced Accredited Counsellor, qualified since 2002, I am able to offer counselling that is tailored to your individual needs. As an Integrative Counsellor I use my knowledge of modalities including Humanistic, Transactional Analysis, Gestalt, CBT and my experience to provide a safe, supportive, non-judgmental space for people, in order to explore their thoughts, feelings and experiences safely at their own pace.

Psychotherapy offers a unique experience. We start with a consultation process which will give you an opportunity to find out about this therapy and working with me by having an experience of what it will be like. This will help us with considering if this is the right way forward for you. Ideally we will meet a couple of times, and begin to understand the nature of some of your difficulties. Together we can discuss both the type of therapeutic approach and a plan for moving forward. If it looks like I might not be the right person to help you, then we can consider a referral to a different clinician or way of working.

Deciding to start therapy can be a big decision. There are so many types of therapy out there. My view is that we all have the potential to lead fulfilling lives but we sometimes get stuck along the way. My task is to work alongside you, creating a warm, supportive and non-judgemental environment for us to figure out what isn’t working for you and support you to find more creative ways to face what life throws your way. You might have a specific goal we work towards or you might not know exactly what you need but feel you need someone to speak to. That's fine.

I’m Louise, a Clinical Psychologist with over 20 years’ experience working in the NHS with children, young people and parents. At your initial appointment, I will offer a friendly and welcoming space to think about what is troubling you or your family and explore what you hope to achieve through therapy. We will work together in partnership, drawing on your expertise about your family, and my knowledge and practical experience of a range of different evidence-based psychological therapies to reach your goals. Sessions may involve working individually with children, young people or parents, or family work.

Here you are, considering whether you should talk to someone. Right now you may be feeling confused, tired, just wanting to make sense of your situation - I get it, and hope you will find the information provided here helpful. I am an experienced licensed and fully-insured Clinical Psychologist and Registered Counsellor, with 13 years of practice, and I have worked in a variety of settings - higher education, community, healthcare and independently, both in the UK and in South America. My approach is based on a number of well-regarded theoretical models, including psychodynamic psychotherapy (my primary influence) and CBT

It might be that you have a clear sense of the issues you'd like to explore or just a sense that something is not quite right - both are excellent starting points.Currently most of my work is with clients interested in changing their lives to align with their sense of who they are, not who they should be. For some, getting a stronger sense of self is the first step in the therapy. Partly my work is also with people who have experienced one or more traumatic events, including with a PTSD diagnosis - our focus then is on processing the trauma therapeutically to reduce the unwanted symptoms that interfere with daily life.

Based in both Cowley, Oxford, and also close to Newbury, I provide a non judgemental and compassionate space away from the complexities of your world to explore what is important to you. Maybe you are having difficulties in your relationships with others, or are having trouble feeling heard. Maybe you are feeling stuck and need a different framework to make sense of it all. Maybe you are dealing with loss of people or dreams, that are new or old that needs to be acknowledged and processed. It can be daunting to take the first step towards exploring what we need ourselves. I hope to take that journey with you at your pace.

Reviewers and seekers like yourself might be uncertain about what therapy is. You might imagine it's like going to see the doctor to get a plan to be fixed or you may imagine Therapy to be more like a craft/art/magic. Or something else. I don't have fixed ideas about what you bring, how you bring it and what sort of person you might be. I'm not sure what you want, but i'm interested to start exploring it together with you. You may not know what you want and thats ok too. It is ok to reach out from a position of not knowing and uncertainty. Sitting a room together will give you a lot of information.

We are in some challenging times and there is opportunity for both support with 'here and now issues' and deeper exploration of being you. I am an experienced and highly trained Integrative Body Psychotherapist, Couples Psychotherapist and Trauma Recovery Specialist having been in the field for over 24 years. I help you experientially with life and relationship challenges in a mind, body and spirit process. I include the neurobiology of relationship, attachment, internal parts systems, transgenerational trauma recovery, birth psychology and transpersonal realms. Professional Supervision, Training and Consultancy available.

Often, individual difficulties are accompanied by the challenges of daily life, which make each person’s experience different and their therapeutic needs unique. Through short or long term therapy, I aim to support meaningful change in areas you would like to work on, with an understanding of the wider picture of how these issues may feature in daily life.

I work using a Person Centred Approach and a blend of therapeutic approaches and skills. I offer consultations for individuals who want to explore, and improve their ability to manage emotion effectively, wish to enhance their relationship skills, and develop healthy and effective coping mechanisms whilst letting go of thinking/behaviour patterns that are having a detrimental effect in their lives.

Sometimes we can feel unhappy but not know why, or maybe we know why but feel unable to change. We may have physical symptoms but suspect that psychological factors underlie them. We might recognise behaviours in ourselves that may obstruct our capacity to work, or make and maintain relationships. Or we may have doubts about ourselves, an underlying feeling that we are not getting the most from life. Whatever the issue, talking can help make your problems clearer, enabling you to understand and resolve them better.

My service is provided as a specialist sex and relationship therapist. I aim to provide a safe environment in which clients can share their intimate thoughts and problems with no fear of judgement. I honour all sexual orientations, gender identities and sexual preferences. I am kink aware and knowledgable and take a sex positive approach. Specific issues covered include: erection problems, inability to orgasm, low sexual desire, painful intercourse, premature/early ejaculation, problematic porn use, relationship problems–couples/poly, (sex, gender, erotic, relationship) identity, BDSM, kinks and fetishes, vaginismus

I am a fully qualified and accredited Systemic Family and Couple Psychotherapist (MA), with over 20 years clinical experience, working therapeutically with Individuals, Couples and Families across the age-span, both within the NHS and my own Independent Practice. As a specialist relationship therapist, I support those navigating challenges in relationships, as well as those wishing to improve communication, intimacy and closeness. I work with couples and families of all kind, and am keen to embrace diversity. My practice is strengths and resilience orientated, collaborative and underpinned by the latest evidence based principles.

Are you tired of going around the same old mountain? Counselling could be the first step in you experiencing the change you desire.