About Myself
The therapist you choose is important because research suggests that
it is the therapeutic relationship in itself which is the most important
factor in the success of psychotherapy. I work with people of all ages
and backgrounds across the full spectrum of sexual orientations. All
my clients are important to me.
Like most therapists, I became a therapist after appreciating the effects
of therapy for myself. I remain in therapy because I am continuously
reminded what it feels like to be in the chair in which you might be
sitting.
What led me into becoming a therapist ? After a successful career in
education, I started by studying counselling. After that, what happened
was driven by my sense of my clients’ needs. I found that they were
bringing sexual and relationship problems for which my general training
had not prepared me. This led me to study psychosexual therapy and relationship
work at the Whittington Hospital where I worked in the clinic for a
year as an advanced trainee. I completed that training by doing an Advanced
Diploma in Psychotherapy and a Masters’ degree. Most recently, I have
been struck by the clients who were mentionning eating disorders and
problems with weight; again, I realised that I needed to know more about
these subjects and so I obtained my Diploma in eating Do0sirders from
the National Association for Eating Disorders.
In addition to these specialisms, I have also worked as a lecturer
in counselling, training students up to final qualification level and
as part of that, I have made a special study of such subjects as stress,
anxiety, phobias and depression. Most of my experience with individual
clients focuses on these areas. I also have a qualification in educational
psychology which enables me to bring a knowledge of child development
and the psychology of learning to my work.
It is usually emphasised that therapists should bring a sense of unconditional
positive regard, warmth and empathy to their sessions. I think another
vital therapist quality is openness. The therapist needs to be able
to give clients space to explore for themselves. The therapist needs
to be able to get inside, so far as this is possible, the client’s world.
In addition, clients also appreciate it, at least in the long run, if
the therapist is also able to challenge and has the ability, without
detracting from the client’s power, to make helpful contributions and
seek the client’s response to them .
I am accredited a counsellor and psychotherapist by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. Finally, there can be an undeniable element of humour and quirkiness surfacing occasionally in my work. I hope this will not put you off!
If counselling, psychotherapy or psychosexual and relationship therapy
is for you, do not hesitate to make contact.