What is a Psychologist?

I am a Clinical Psychologist.  I provide a safe, non-judgmental environment to explore issues, problems, workable solutions, new ways of coping and being in the world.

Therapy is a process…

Therapy is an evolving process of self discovery, insight and clarification of thoughts (patterns and ways of thinking), beliefs, values, strengths, weaknesses, needs…

Therapy involves careful exploration and assessment of the following so that I can get a thorough understanding of your needs and goals:

 

  • Personal and family history
  • Lifestyle and work
  • Stresses
  • Personality
  • Relationships
  • Body sensations
  • Health
  • Values
  • Beliefs
  • Current ways of coping

Therapy teaches you to know yourself in a different way – the role of your mind, emotions, body, behaviour (coping), strengths, values and beliefs, and how you can use these factors in different ways to meet your needs and confront your fears.

The sorts of issues that people come to see me about include anxiety, relationships problems, dealing with trauma, dealing with depression, anger, work stress, child and family issues, and grief and loss.

A vital ingredient in the process of change is your motivation – which is a combination of readiness, open mindedness, reflection, timing, fear, bravery and action to take the necessary steps to live the life that you want.

My role is to provide education, options, ideas, objectivity, strategies and support but I cannot make decisions for you or force change.

My therapeutic approach is informed by the following evidence based psychological therapies:

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Psychological therapy that is informed by living life in accordance with ones values.  ACT uses acceptance, mindfulness and values clarification together with the commitment to learning and trying new ways of coping  (behaviour change) all underpinned by being mindful (present focused)

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

Identifying unhelpful thoughts, feelings and beliefs to inform new ways of noticing and changing thoughts as well as finding and clarifying helpful beliefs to guide behaviour

Schema Therapy

Schema Therapy is an extension of CBT which deepens the focus to early patterns of coping usually formed in childhood due to trauma and/or abuse which are being used to cope in the present in unhelpful ways

Positive Psychology

Psychological strategies to enhance positive emotion and experiences

Therapy is more than the delivery of techniques and strategies. Therapy is informed by the approaches above and tailored to your individual needs within the context of a supportive and safe therapeutic relationship.