How I work

  • Because I have been trained as an integrative therapist, I have the ability to customise therapy to your needs rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach. My education has brought me to various methods, including Gestalt, Transactional Analysis, Person-Centred, Psychodynamic, Existential, and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy.

    If you are unsure of what would work for you, that is fine! This usually becomes clearer after a little time, or you can use some of my educational videos to learn about different methods.

  • It’s important to note that I am not an officially IFS-trained therapist, as completing formal IFS certification requires a separate, specialised course. However, I have been a client of an IFS-trained therapist for two years and have worked closely with them as a mentee while pursuing personal study of the model.

    Internal Family Systems uses the concept of 'parts,' encouraging clients to explore their feelings by identifying with different aspects of themselves—for example, saying, "A part of me feels..." The model views the mind as a collection of sub-personalities, each with its own unique qualities, roles, and perspectives.

    By accessing and engaging with these parts, I support my clients in working towards harmony within their internal system. This approach fosters self-awareness, self-compassion, and a greater understanding of inner conflicts. It also taps into the mind's natural capacity for healing and balance, providing a framework for profound personal growth.

  • I integrate physical and psychological approaches to promote holistic healing. By focusing on the connection between the mind and body, I help you release tension, process emotions, and improve overall well-being. My techniques include various forms of body work therapy, which are tailored to your specific needs to ensure a comprehensive and effective healing experience.

  • I like to work relationally, focusing on the importance of the therapeutic relationship as a key factor in the healing process. By understanding and addressing the dynamics between us, I aim to create a supportive and collaborative environment where you feel safe to explore your thoughts and emotions. My approach is tailored to your individual needs, incorporating various therapeutic methods to ensure you receive the most effective support.

  • My work is informed by psychodynamic principles and Attachment Theory, exploring how early relationships shape expectations and interactions in later life. I help clients understand how their childhood experiences influence their current relational patterns and sense of security, fostering healthier adult relationships.

  • My therapeutic approach affirms kink, fetish, and diverse sexual expressions. I offer a non-judgmental, supportive space where you can openly explore your sexual identity and desires. By embracing and validating all parts of your sexual self, I aim to help you navigate your experiences with compassion and understanding.

    In our sessions, we explore the unique aspects of your sexual self, including kinks and fetishes, to build self-awareness and self-compassion. Together, we work on integrating these parts of your identity, empowering you to embrace your sexuality and create balance and well-being in your life.

  • This approach is future-focused and goal-oriented, concentrating on what clients aim to achieve rather than the origins of their problems. It involves creating a vision of the future and mapping out practical steps to get there. SFBT is typically brief, lasting several sessions. This approach would need to be requested as it would not follow typical formats of other therapies.

My Approach

The therapeutic space is unique. At times, it can feel like the world is shifting; at other times, it may feel as though little is happening. How this space is used also varies greatly between clients. Some prefer a self-led approach, while others benefit from more directive guidance. As an integrative therapist, I adapt to these differing needs, tailoring the process to suit your personality and therapeutic style.

Over time, I have developed a general framework that has helped many clients navigate this space.

  • In the initial stages of therapy, we focus on understanding what has brought you here and beginning to explore the issue together. Unless urgent intervention is needed—such as in cases of panic attacks, abusive dynamics, or other crises—the early phase is about ‘getting to know’ the problem.

    The first three sessions are typically structured as an assessment period for both myself and you as the client. During this time, we aim to build a comprehensive understanding of your concerns, which may include:

    • What the issue is and when the it began.

    • Past experiences related to the problem.

    • A genogram of the family structure to explore relationships and dynamics.

    This period is also an opportunity for us to get to know each other. Building a strong therapeutic connection is essential for meaningful change. As we work together, you may begin to feel a sense of safety and understanding that helps you move forward. If, for any reason, you don’t feel that connection, we can explore that together. You may also come to realise that therapy with me—or therapy in general—may not feel like the right fit for you.

    Either way, this initial phase allows you to leave with more clarity about yourself, your needs, and your personal style, providing a foundation for whatever steps you choose to take next.

  • After this initial period, we begin to develop a clearer picture of what’s going on. This involves understanding your past experiences, identifying triggers, and speculating how they connect to your current situation. In therapy talk, this process is called a formulation—a way of mapping out your experiences, behaviours, thoughts, and emotions to make sense of what’s happening.

    This stage can also include psychoeducation, where I share information and tools to help you better understand your challenges. For example, we might talk about how stress affects the body or explore strategies to manage certain triggers. Formulation helps to bring clarity and a sense of empowerment, giving us a foundation to work from as we move forward together.

  • This stage involves diving deeper into the root causes of the challenges we’ve identified. It’s about uncovering the thoughts, feelings, memories, or beliefs that may be buried beneath the surface but are influencing your current patterns and experiences. Together, we create a safe and supportive space to explore these deeper layers at a pace that feels comfortable for you.

    As part of this process, I often use Internal Family Systems (IFS), a therapeutic approach that helps us connect with the different “parts” of yourself. These parts may represent conflicting emotions, behaviours, or beliefs. By getting to know these parts, we can uncover their motives and intentions, often finding that they hold protective roles or unresolved pain. From there, we work together to understand what they need to feel supported, which can lead to profound insights and inner healing.

    This stage can sometimes feel intense, as it may bring up emotions or awareness you haven’t connected with before. However, it can also be deeply liberating. By unearthing and understanding these underlying aspects of yourself, you gain a fuller picture of your inner world. This allows you to process unresolved emotions, challenge unhelpful beliefs, and begin breaking free from patterns that no longer serve you.

  • Once we’ve unearthed and explored deeper insights, the next step is to integrate this understanding into your everyday life. Integration is about connecting the dots—bridging the gap between the insights gained in therapy and the actions you take in your day-to-day world.

    At this stage, we focus on building healthier patterns and behaviours that align with your goals and values. This might involve practising new skills, developing emotional regulation strategies, or finding ways to respond differently to triggers. Integration is where you start to see how the work we’ve done together translates into real, meaningful change. It’s not just about understanding but also about actively shaping your life in a way that feels more fulfilling and aligned with who you are.

  • In the sustainability stage, we focus on maintaining the progress you’ve made and equipping you with the tools to continue your growth independently. This stage is about building resilience and creating systems of support that help you handle future challenges.

    We’ll review what has worked for you, refine your strategies, and ensure you feel confident in managing life’s ups and downs on your own. Sustainability also includes recognising the value of self-care and fostering a mindset that prioritises your well-being.

    The goal is for you to leave therapy feeling empowered, self-sufficient, and equipped with a deeper understanding of yourself and the skills needed to navigate whatever comes your way. This stage is about ensuring the changes you’ve made are lasting and that you feel ready to continue your journey without needing to rely on therapy as frequently.