Locus of Solace

I offer a sensitive, caring place to off-load, be heard and feel less overwhelmed, an opportunity to explore how past experiences have affected you in the here and now, somewhere to sort out thoughts objectively, experience emotions with support, address behaviours which feel unhelpful and move towards a more positive take on life. It’s a special form of relationship, which encourages healthier, self-caring ways of being through the empathy and compassion of the counsellor. 

My approach to therapy is based on a belief that well-being relies on an honest, compassionate and accepting understanding of ourselves. Counselling is a cooperative, empathetic endeavour in which the counsellor and client look together at patterns of thoughts, emotions and behaviours over the lifespan in depth, in order to identify the roots of problems and find new ways forward.

I’m a professionally qualified psychodynamic and CBT counsellor, with a background in psychology, sciences and nursing. I offer therapy which is tailored to the individual’s needs, drawing on a range of theories and techniques, as appropriate to the person and nature of the problems.

CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) and CFT (Compassion Focused Therapy) combine the observation and exploration of unhelpful emotions, thoughts and behaviours with techniques and practices aimed at encouraging more beneficial responses to stresses. Success relies on pro-active participation during sessions and practice outside sessions. (I don’t offer ‘pure CBT’, which requires filling in forms and numerical ratings).

Psychodynamic therapy is neither time-limited nor firmly structured, and focuses on the effects of relationships and events over the lifespan in depth, in order to identify the roots of current problems. The therapy is centred around emotions, relationships and a sense of self. This seeks to explore personal problems with a wider and deeper focus, allowing free-flowing self-expression, with time to reflect on the self.

EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) is a therapy based on use of physical techniques, involving exploration of the problem area followed by use of phrases, tapping on specific locations on the upper body and eye movements to induce changes in the nervous system. This range of techniques can be applied to anxiety, phobias, compulsive behaviours and unhelpful habits.

I offer a confidential, non-judgemental online space (via Zoom or phone) for sensitive, compassionate exploration of problems, within a relationship built on trust. Mondays – Thursdays 08.00 – 17.00 (£45) and Mondays and Wednesdays at 20.00 (£60). Initial consultation is arranged by email locusofsolace@protonmail.com and is free, with no obligation to go forward. Please do get in touch!