A one-way conversation.

Between two people.

Talking therapy is a particular kind of conversation. Probably quite different to the conversations you have with friends, family or colleagues. You won’t be interrupted. I will not trump your achievements or undermine your difficulties. I will not judge you or collude with you. I will listen. Not holding my breath until you finish your bit so I can say mine, but listening. I rarely offer advice. Most often, I will ask questions and then listen some more. We will explore connections between what you think and how you behave. We may look for patterns in your relationships that have been repeated over time.

Think of it as a one-way conversation between two people. In a space that is boundaried, at a certain time and in a certain place. In a room that feels secure. You can bring whatever is on your mind. What you’re thinking. What you’re feeling. Memories that trouble you . Problems that puzzle you. The focus of every session will be: “How do you move forward?”

Confidentiality

What’s shared in therapy is confidential and private. In most circumstances, nothing said in therapy will be shared with anyone else unless you want it to be. However, as a professional bound by BPS codes of conduct and legal obligations, if you tell me something that makes me think there is a risk of harm to yourself or others, I am bound to act in the interests of their/your safety. I would like to do that with your knowledge and consent but I am obliged to act. If you have any questions, do ask in your session.

Which therapy?

There are many kinds of therapy, and many kinds of therapist. As a Clinical Psychologist, I am trained in several models. The two that have been most useful in my practice are CBT and psychodynamic. I am also experienced in trauma-focussed; systemic; human-centred; narrative and compassion-focused therapies.

This fictitious example might illustrate the difference between CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) and psychodynamic work.

Which model is used depends on your needs and capacities; your learning style and past experience. Do you want to plan a route to a solution (maybe CBT) or take a more exploratory approach and find a new way forward (suggesting a psychodynamic approach).