Narrative Counselling in EC4R

Photo of Shireen Sultana, Psychotherapist in EC4R, England
Shireen Sultana
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBABCP
Verified Verified
London EC4R
I am a CBT Therapist with over 15 years experience of working in mental health services within NHS. I have been currently working as a senior therapist within an NHS service which involves providing supervision to other clinicians and providing specialist assessment and treatment to individuals experiencing depression and anxiety disorders including PTSD, OCD & Long term health conditions. Although my primary modality of training is CBT, I am also trained in EMDR, IPT (Interpersonal Psychotherapy). I work with individual aged over 16.
I am a CBT Therapist with over 15 years experience of working in mental health services within NHS. I have been currently working as a senior therapist within an NHS service which involves providing supervision to other clinicians and providing specialist assessment and treatment to individuals experiencing depression and anxiety disorders including PTSD, OCD & Long term health conditions. Although my primary modality of training is CBT, I am also trained in EMDR, IPT (Interpersonal Psychotherapy). I work with individual aged over 16.
07588 683393 View 07588 683393
Photo of Martyn Bignold, Psychologist in EC4R, England
Martyn Bignold
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
London EC4R
As a doctor of psychology, I provide a safe space where you can explore what is troubling you and start to make sense of your thoughts and feelings. I offer short-term and long-term therapy, using psychological models with a proven track record, to address anxiety, low mood, relationship issues, workplace stresses, addictions, trauma and grief. Ultimately, our goal may be for you to become your own therapist. After all, you know the client better than anyone.
As a doctor of psychology, I provide a safe space where you can explore what is troubling you and start to make sense of your thoughts and feelings. I offer short-term and long-term therapy, using psychological models with a proven track record, to address anxiety, low mood, relationship issues, workplace stresses, addictions, trauma and grief. Ultimately, our goal may be for you to become your own therapist. After all, you know the client better than anyone.
020 3984 7533 View 020 3984 7533

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Narrative Counsellors

Is narrative therapy evidence-based?

Narrative therapy is not well-studied, and it may not be as effective in treating mental health conditions when compared with evidence-based treatments such as cognitive behavioural therapy. Some small studies do show that depressed and anxious individuals who were treated with narrative therapy reported improvement in anxiety and depression symptoms.

How long does narrative therapy last?

Narrative therapy is less structured when compared with psychoanalysis, for example. Narrative therapy is more open-ended and may not be limited to a set number of sessions. It is common for clients to be in therapy for a few months, and sometimes a year or longer. Patients see their therapist one to two times a week, though the exact schedule and timeline may vary depending on a person’s challenges and progress. Individuals can also practice the principles of narrative therapy after treatment has ended.

Does narrative therapy work?

Narrative therapy can help a person manage or reduce symptoms of conditions like depression or anxiety. This type of therapy encourages a person to reflect on the moments of their life when their particular problem was not at the forefront of their minds — perhaps life celebrations, achievements, and other successes. The individual is encouraged to rewrite their storyline as if their particular problem was not part of their life. This therapy may offer benefits that are hard to measure.

What are the possible limitations of narrative therapy?

Narrative therapy is person-centered or client-centered, and the health professional pays more attention to the subjective narratives that are constructed by the client, as opposed to other objective measures. The therapist privileges the individual’s perspective over all others. This open form may feel frustrating for individuals seeking a more structured approach; certainly, no one therapy type will work for every individual.