What is psychotherapy ?

Is it what I need ?

Psychotherapy is a speaking therapy. That is you speak and I listen. However, I am trained to listen specifically, using specific questions directed back at you. As a psychologist I have a scientific underpinning in my approach. That is, I do not just assume common sense, but rely on academics to prove that a person has a higher probability of acting in a certain manner if presented with certain conditions.

This is important to know, as it helps direct my questionning and in identifying areas where your behaviour, thoughts could be assisted to change or at least be aware of thought processes held by yourself. To seek a better understanding of your thoughts on the world.

As you are unique, different to others, due to your background, experiences and personality, I apply a range of therapeutic approaches, rather than using just one psychotherapeutic approach. Yes there are blanket labels that are used technically, but they serve only as a guideline to how best to approach according to scientific findings. Much the same as your GP has medical jargon to describe what is physically wrong with you, psychologists have their own jargon.

Why will it help? How can it possibly help?

Why psychotherapy ?

Most people approach a psychotherapist because they feel something is not right and or speaking to or not to friends and family, has not improved how they feel inside, about themselves and or the world around them. Some people are also summoned by the law to see a psychologist. You can see a psychologist as an individual or as a couple, or as a family. There is also the opportunity to join a group, concerning a specific topic, that is lead by a psychologist.

If you are hesitating as to whether or not you need to see a psychologist, the answer would be in that you are taking control in reading this line. Picking up the phone, admitedly takes a bit more effort. However, its recognising these thought processess as to why you do or don't that makes up psychotherapy.

Making the phone call is the start of a change process.

Why would you contact my services ?

It is generally not easy so see a psychotherapist, due to stigmas. But psychotherapy is just like seeing a doctor. You are not feeling well, but want to.

Psychotherapy provides a unique opportunity to openly speak, think and experience feelings in a safe non-judgemental environment. The idea behind the speaking therapy is that you discover why you perform the behaviour you do or hold the thoughts that you hold. Reflecting back if you like what you see, or if not, it forms a starting point of a change process.

Via speaking you are verbalising thoughts that were not necessarily given much thought to before-hand. This verbalisation leads to a change, via a realisation.

Psychotherapy is not only about change but also acceptance. Acceptance that certain circumstances have moulded the thought process.

My services as a trained psychologist will assist you in understanding your thoughts, and behaviours. As well as going beyond this understanding to assisting in integrating this understanding in an accepting manner for yourself.