Approach

Hilma af Klint

Hilma af Klint - The Swan No. 13

As an integrative and relational therapist, I draw from different approaches depending on what feels most helpful for you. We’ll discover what that looks like together, with the understanding that a genuine, present human connection is at the heart of meaningful therapy. I’m here to be alongside and meet you with curiosity and compassion.

In the early sessions, I’m interested in getting to know you and understanding what has shaped your experience. We may explore your family history, relationships and the events that have brought you to therapy. Often, this is a time to offload what you’ve been carrying and begin to feel heard without judgement.

I’ll ask thoughtful questions and offer honest reflections to help you make sense of your thoughts, feelings and behaviour patterns. I’ll encourage you to notice what is happening in your body to create space to connect with emotions. We might reflect on dreams and recurring themes, or developing grounding strategies when life feels overwhelming.

Over time, we can begin to recognise the ways you have adapted to life's circumstances, honouring the strategies that once helped you while exploring new possibilities that feel more aligned with who you are now and how you want to live. Below you'll find a brief introduction to the therapeutic approaches that inform my philosophy and approach.

  • Rather than me sitting in an ‘expert’ position, I believe you are the expert of your own life, capable of healing and growth.

  • I view relationships as central to our wellbeing and that the therapeutic relationship can help facilitate awareness and positive change.

  • We will probably spend some time thinking about your past experiences and how they shape your current thoughts, feelings and behaviours.

  • We may consider your relationship(s) with your significant caregiver(s) and how it influences your current relationships.

  • We may pay attention to bodily sensations to see how they relate to your thoughts and feelings. We might consider how breath and movement can help shift stored emotions.

  • We will work gently and compassionately when exploring past traumas. I can help you to understand how your body responds to trauma and offer techniques to help regulate.

  • I consider how social categories such as gender, sex, sexuality, race, class, disability, neurodiversity and age create a unique experience of discrimination and oppression.

  • I believe that social and economic factors often contribute to poor mental health. Although diagnoses and medication have their place, for some they may be harmful.

  • I might encourage reflection on the here and now such as what freedoms and choices might be available to you or what brings you meaning.

  • I recognise the importance of your connection to the other-than-human-world, including relationships to plants, animals and land.

  • I recognise the importance of your connection to the spiritual or transcendent aspects of the human experience and welcome their exploration.

  • We may explore your unconscious through archetypal symbols, guided visualisations and dreams, recognising how we are made of many parts.