Family Therapy Counselling in Worcester Park

Welcome. There can be times in our lives when we feel low, sad, anxious or have feelings of being unable to cope. Maybe you are struggling with a relationship, work of family related issues or have feelings of low self-esteem. Making the first step in to therapy can sometimes feel daunting but you have done this by coming to this website. Our sessions are confidential,professional,calm and can be tailored to meet your needs. We can explore how you are feeling which may allow you to reflect on making a change to your life which can improve the way we feel about ourself and others.

I work with genuine care, empathy and am non- judgemental. I am very passionate about helping and offer a warm and nurturing space for you to explore your presenting issues which you may be finding challenging and distressing.

If you are experiencing problems or having feelings that you are finding difficult to cope with, I am here to help you to understand what is going on and help support you. I am a qualified Psychodynamic Counsellor (HE Diploma) and I work with clients who seek help with a range of problems from anxiety, depression, family issues, including separation and divorce to addiction support (food issues/disordered eating/alcohol and drugs). Clients see me for once a week sessions for 50 minutes either in person, via Zoom or by telephone. I offer a confidential and a safe space for you to explore your feelings and life experiences.

Life can be very challenging at times and we may find ourselves not having the right tools, nor the support system around us to deal with those challenges. We may feel depressed, disconnected, have a difficult relationship with our bodies, with food. We may lack self-esteem. We may not be able to form or sustain relationships with others, have issues around intimacy or commitment. We may carry an impinging sense of being different. At times, we may just want to look deeper into our past and present so that we can move forward to a more fulfilling future and fulfilled, happier self.

UKCP Accredited Psychotherapist and BACP Registered counsellor with 24 years experience. I use an integrative/relational approach, viewing each person as unique, and as such I use a coherent combination of therapeutic ideas and working relationship that will best suit you as an individual. This may involve looking at current difficulties, your past, clarifying and understanding your thoughts and behaviours and helping you to understand and express your emotions. In this way we will work together to find a way through problems that are troubling you to negotiate a more satisfying and less stressful way of living.

I am a counselling psychologist with over 20 years experience working with children, adults, couples and families. I use solution focused, positive therapies that get you closer to your goals and values, teaching you tools and techniques to manage your life better and live life as you need to. I work with mental health conditions - anxieties, depression, phobias, confidence issues, relationship breakdowns, smoking cessation and weight loss, just to name a few!

It can be difficult to choose a therapist and to understand the various titles therapists go by, as well as the different types of therapies and counselling on offer. However, I personally think one of the most important factors in choosing a therapist is the fit between the client and therapist and whether the relationship feels warm and empathic. My therapeutic style is to identify and build on existing strengths and to offer a safe supportive space to explore current difficulties. Having had my own psychotherapy, I am familiar with what it feels like to be on the receiving end of therapy and I am sensitive to this during my work.

There isn’t really an ideal client in terms of issues or problems. Therapy works whatever the presentation when the connection with the client/patient is a positive one and it becomes a mutual endeavor to feel better. The majority of clients present with wanting help with relationships either getting them or deepening them, this can include physical intimacy and sex and invariably the need to understand themselves in relationships. Many of my clients want to understand the meaning of sex to themselves and any sexual compulsivity that might be going on. People want to be understood and not shamed for their thoughts, actions feelings

My aim is to provide you with a safe, encouraging space to be yourself, in order to work through what you wish to focus on. This may be relationship difficulties, feelings of low self-worth, anxiety, depression or low mood, or a general feeling that you’re stuck and not quite sure why. It can sometimes be hard to justify taking this time for yourself, which ironically, might be a clue that you tend to put others first, neglecting your own needs yet often feeling resentful. You may feel unsure about sharing details of yourself with a “stranger”, but this might be a sign that you often feel judged or are afraid of other’s judgement.

I’m a strong believer that, in the words of Nelson Mandela “there is no passion to be found playing small – in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living” – yet sometimes life is really quite tough and we find ourselves struggling and this ideal seems far from our reality. You may find yourself feeling emotionally overwhelmed, anxious or lonely. Or, you may have been struggling for some time and haven’t found the motivation to address it but now that struggle may be feeling a little bigger.

The focus in my private practice is on difficult relationships be that in the workplace, with friends or romantic relationships. I work with individuals and couples who are in or have been in relationships where there is control, excessive criticism, contempt or betrayal. I work with people who have tended to be more harmed by and those who have caused harm in their relationships. I help people develop a sense of compassion for themselves, building a sense of strength to advocate for their own needs in a constructive way so as to develop genuine, lasting intimacy with others.

Mind-Growth Mastery is a non-profit organisation offering therapy from qualified professionals and mature, trainee therapists. CBT aims to reduce distress by identifying and changing unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviours which affect how we feel. We work collaboratively together to overcome challenges and build a life that is in line with your personal values. Integrative counselling is a talking therapy, drawing on a range of person-centered therapeutic styles. We work uniquely with each individual, helping them share in a safe, accepting environment. We aim to match the therapy to your needs and goals.