About/My Approach | livelearntherapy

My Approach

The main essence of my approach is that:

Everyone has the right to feel proud of who they are and I take the importance of respecting equality and diversity very seriously. I also believe that as humans we are all vulnerable to making mistakes and poor choices. Although this may feel devastating at times, counselling and psychotherapy can help us learn from these challenges and move forward rather than allow shame and regret to destroy our potential.

I trained as an Integrative psychotherapist which has given me a broad range of therapeutic skills that are informed by several key approaches to counselling and psychotherapy including: psychodynamic, humanistic, existential and CBT. This enables me to work flexibly and tailor the therapy to suit your individual needs.

After moving to London in 1990 I started my professional career in social work and completed a 4 year MA in Integrative Psychotherapy and Counselling at Regent’s University London in 1999. Prior to that I gained a BA in Sociology from Hofstra University in New York (1987) and an MSc. in Sociology from Southbank University London (1992).

I have been fully registered with the United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) since 2000 and work in accordance with their Code of Ethics. I have regular clinical supervision and also attend continuing professional development trainings to ensure my work is informed by current ideas in the field. In recent years I have completed a Certificate in Integrative Clinical Supervision, a Certificate in Mindfulness-based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and a Certificate in Mentalization-based Psychotherapy Treatment.

Since first starting to see clients as a trainee in 1996, I have provided therapy and counselling in the NHS, in private mental health clinics, in secondary schools with adolescents and in private practice. Alongside years of experience working with people struggling with a wide range of concerns, I also have 15 years specialist experience helping those struggling with eating disorders and other self-harming difficulties. In addition I’ve been a visiting lecturer at the Regents University School of Psychotherapy and Psychology since 2006 and have been providing clinical supervision to professional and trainee therapists and counsellors since 2005.

Getting Started

I offer short- (minimum 12 weeks) and long- term (no time limit) therapy. Once you make contact we will arrange an initial 50 minute assessment during which you can tell me about yourself and what you would like help with and I can tell you more about me and what I can offer.

If you decide to go forward, we will agree a regular session time which usually occurs once or twice weekly for 50 minutes. I am here to listen without judgement and the space is yours to discuss and explore whatever is on your mind. It is my job to help you make sense of your feelings and experiences with the ultimate goal being improved confidence, self-awareness and overall wellbeing.

It’s important to remember there are rarely clear-cut answers to life’s dilemmas and therapy is not designed to provide quick solutions. It is a mutual process which requires commitment and work from both client and therapist and progress often takes time.