HOW I WORK
What therapy with me is like
My approach is warm, compassionate, and tailored to you. As an integrative counsellor, I draw on a range of therapeutic approaches to meet your unique needs. That means you are not expected to "fit" into a particular style of therapy - instead, we work together in a way that feels right for you. Sessions go at your pace and flow to your agenda and goals.
At times, we may gently explore your emotions, where they come from and what they need. We can create space for thoughts and feelings that may not have felt safe to express, through conversation, reflection, role playing or even writing. We might also explore different parts of you, younger you, past experiences and patterns that continue to shape your present.
When helpful, I can bring in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) tools to help you understand how your thoughts, emotions, body and behaviours interact, and support you in breaking unhelpful patterns.
But therapy is more than strategies - it's about being seen and heard without judgement and at the core of our time together that is the most important aspect. Our therapeutic relationship is at the heart of your process, and it's through this that meaningful growth and deeper self awareness can happen.
Developing self-awareness together
What else I'll add into our sessions to deepen your understanding of yourself...
Our bodies send us messages with the aches, pains, tummy aches. Classic example...when we're nervous we often get a tummy ache, sweaty palms and want to run away as fast we can. These signals are invitations to pause, and respond with calming inquiry, grounding techniques and supportive self talk.
Your emotions are vast and expansive and are part of being human, even when they feel uncomfortable and difficult to understand. Sometimes we ignore them, bury them, but they don't stay down for long, they'll find a way to surface. Instead of pushing them away, we'll learn to sit with them, notice them without judgement, and explore what they're trying to tell you.
Your behaviours can sometimes distract you from what's really going on. Our actions, habits, and ways of responding to what’s happening inside us and around us. Often, these patterns develop as ways of coping or protecting ourselves, even if they don’t always help in the long term. You might notice yourself avoiding certain situations, overthinking, withdrawing, or trying to keep everything under control. In therapy, we can gently explore these patterns and understand where they come from, before finding new ways of responding that feel more supportive and sustainable. Even small changes in behaviour can have a meaningful impact on how you feel.
You might notice thoughts like “I wish I could be more like…”, “I can’t do that”, or “I’m not good enough.” You may find yourself taking things personally, expecting the worst, or seeing things in very black-and-white ways. Often, these patterns come from old beliefs that have stayed with you over time.
Together, we can gently explore these thoughts and begin to question whether they still serve you. Through reflection, we can start to shift your inner voice towards something kinder and more self compassionate—building confidence and helping you thrive. Really thrive. Which is what I want for you.