My Approach

I am an existential psychotherapist working psychoanalytically. By “existential”, I mean the nature and experience of human existence from birth to death, which is unique to every individual. Psychotherapy is the practice of attending to a person who is seeking help with problems in living, by paying careful attention to their experiences, choices and actions in life and relationships, both present and historical.

People come to see me with a range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, relationship or family difficulties, loss of meaning, unhelpful habits, bereavement and unresolved life events. The focus of the work is the person’s wish to engage in a process to better address the difficulties they are experiencing. The aim of this work is to explore the possibility of living a more fulfilling and authentic life.

The work initially entails assessing the emotional difficulty or problem for which help is sought. This is a joint investigation into experiences both past and present, as well as the nature of significant relationships and the context of the problems. It is carried out in a professional environment that respects clients’ personal dignity and autonomy.

For those wishing to engage in this joint enterprise, psychotherapy aims to facilitate the conditions for addressing distressing or unhelpful emotions or behaviours. It is intended to help the person, couple, or family identify more constructive ways of coping with the complexities of living. My role is to assist clients in uncovering and utilising their own capacity for resolving the problems they face.

The terms of my psychotherapy work are agreed verbally between myself and the client or clients, including the timing of sessions, fees and arrangements for holidays and sickness. I am registered with most well-known health insurers, and for those who may struggle with fees, a sliding scale is available.