Ethos & Approach
My ethos
I believe that as humans, we all have unique experiences that shape who we are, how we perceive and experience the world as well as the way we relate to ourselves and those around us.
Our early attachments with primary/other caregiver(s) play a crucial role in early development as well as how we connect and relate to others as adults in various contexts (e.g. friendships, relationships, work colleagues).
Childhood adversity, trauma and/or stressful life events (e.g. bereavement, loss, relationship issues, workplace stress) are sadly common.
I believe that psychological therapy can play an important role in helping people to navigate through difficult times, offer a space to reflect on how past and present experiences can affect us and learn important coping strategies to improve wellbeing.
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My approach
As a clinical psychologist, my role in the first instance is to help clients to make sense of their current difficulties. This involves careful exploration of early experiences and relationships, history of functioning and relationship to help.
Together, we would develop a formulation (understanding of the problem). For example, what early experiences may have predisposed you to these difficulties? What recent events might have triggered the difficulties? Why now? What might be maintaining the problem?
This includes identifying vicious cycles using a Cognitive Behavioural Therapy model. Often this involves deeper consideration of how these vicious cycles and coping strategies relate to early experiences and examining whether old patterns and ways of relating to yourself and/or others are serving you well or might need updating.
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I approach this process of collaborative formulation with thoughtful care, compassion and curiosity, ensuring that the formulation makes sense to us both. I work alongside you (or you and your child) acknowledging that you are the expert of yourself; what you are thinking, feeling and experiencing. Your expertise on you, combined with my expert knowledge of psychological theory guides us both towards your desired hopes and goals for improved health and wellbeing.
