Individual Therapy in Nottingham

A collaborative approach, tailored to you

Starting therapy can feel like a big step. You may know that you're struggling, but not be sure exactly why, or what kind of help you need.

Individual therapy provides a confidential space to slow things down, understand what is happening and begin to make meaningful changes.

As a Clinical Psychologist, I work collaboratively with you to develop an understanding of your difficulties and what may be contributing to them. We will consider your experiences, your current circumstances, your strengths and the things that matter to you.

There isn't a single approach that works for everyone. I draw on different evidence-based psychological therapies and tailor therapy to your individual needs, circumstances and goals.

Understanding what's happening

I believe it is important that therapy isn't simply about trying to get rid of difficult thoughts or feelings.

Together, we will explore what you are experiencing and develop a shared understanding of the patterns that may be keeping your difficulties going.

This might include exploring:

experiences from your past that continue to affect you now
thoughts, emotions and physical responses
patterns in relationships
ways you have learned to cope with difficult experiences
beliefs you hold about yourself or others
things that may be maintaining your difficulties
your existing strengths, resources and sources of support

This shared understanding, sometimes called a formulation, helps us decide what would be most helpful to focus on in therapy.

The therapeutic relationship matters

Research consistently highlights the importance of the relationship between therapist and client.

For me, therapy is a collaborative process based on openness, respect and trust. I won't simply tell you what you should do or give you a list of things to work on.

Instead, we will work together to understand your difficulties, identify what you would like to be different and consider what changes might be helpful.

I will offer psychological knowledge and guidance, while recognising that you are the expert in your own life and experiences.

There may be times when therapy feels challenging. Exploring difficult experiences or patterns can understandably bring up uncomfortable thoughts and feelings. We will work at a pace that is manageable and regularly check that the therapy continues to feel useful and appropriate.

Therapy is a process

Therapy is unlikely to provide an instant solution, and meaningful change can take time.

It may involve developing new ways of responding to difficult emotions, understanding yourself differently, processing experiences that continue to affect you, changing patterns that are no longer helpful, or becoming more able to live in line with what matters to you.

Small changes can sometimes create significant differences over time.

We will regularly review how therapy is progressing and whether we are working towards the goals that brought you to therapy in the first place.

What happens when you start therapy?

Before beginning individual therapy, I offer an initial 60-minute assessment.

This gives us time to talk about what has brought you to therapy, your current difficulties and relevant experiences from your past. We will also think about what you would like to be different and what you hope to gain from therapy.

The assessment is not simply about deciding on a diagnosis. It is an opportunity for us to begin developing a shared understanding of your difficulties and to consider whether working together feels like the right fit.

If I feel that another type of support or service would be more appropriate, I will discuss this with you and help you consider your options.

Your therapy, your goals

You don't need to arrive at your first appointment knowing exactly what you need.

Whether you are seeking support following a traumatic experience, struggling with anxiety or low mood, experiencing difficulties during the perinatal period, or feeling stuck in patterns that you would like to understand and change, we can start by making sense of what is happening.

The aim is to help you develop a greater understanding of yourself and your experiences, while building the resources and flexibility to respond differently in the future.

Taking the first step

If you're considering therapy but aren't sure whether I can help, I offer a free, no-obligation 15-minute telephone or video consultation.

This gives us an opportunity to briefly discuss what you're looking for and whether my experience and approach are likely to be a good fit for you.

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