What is Psychosynthesis counselling?

It is much needed support during difficult times. It is a therapeutic process encompassing a spiritual dimension to the work. This means that, not only does Psychosynthesis work with the deep traumas in our lives, it also holds that we are more than our ‘symptoms’ – we can also be seen as souls on a life journey. Therefore, it focuses on the potential of the individual self and explores the meaning and purpose behind the difficulties in life and of our existence in the world.  It is holistic. It looks at ways to integrate the whole person: mind, feelings, body and spirit.  It is a method of treatment for mental and emotional suffering, and psychological and psychosomatic disorders due to inner conflicts, distressing life events or emotional crises.  It is a method of guiding someone who wishes to become the master of their own lives. It is a process of growth and discovery leading to change. It is a way of fully becoming all that we may be..

How does Psychosynthesis counselling/ psychotherapy work?

We will usually meet once a week, at the same time, for an hour. This will be your time – a time just for you. I will listen with openness and acceptance as you tell me your story, and, drawing on my training and experience, I will help you to explore your feelings and experiences, so you can begin to understand yourself in a new and deeper way. I will guide you in discovering more of who you are, so you can fulfil more of your inner potential, and also develop greater compassion for your human limitations. We may look at some of the behaviours and psychological structures you have developed over your life that no longer serve you. Therapy can throw light upon hidden, deeper areas of your life, or parts of yourself, that have been forgotten or neglected, therefore enabling them to be understood and integrated. As your self awareness increases over time, so too will your ability to make appropriate choices in your life.  For many people, simply being able to share their story with someone who won’t judge them, who will meet them each week in a spirit of acceptance, and open-mindedness is deeply healing in itself.

How do we begin therapy?

We will book an initial assessment session. This is usually one hour in length. This is your chance to begin to tell me something about what brings you to therapy, and also a little bit about your history and your current life circumstances. It is also your chance to meet me, ask me any questions you might have, and get a sense of whether you would like to work with me. If we decide to proceed, we would agree on the number of sessions we would have, or approximate length of time for the therapy. Sometimes, clients find it easier to agree on 6 sessions initially and then have a review session to see how they’ve experienced these first few sessions. At that point you can decide whether you wish to embark on a longer course of therapy.

How long is a therapy session and how much do they cost?

A usual session is one hour long and my current fee is £75 per session.

I ask for clients to arrive on time to get the full benefit from their sessions. If you are running late, please let me know and understand that I can’t usually give you additional time if you are late, as I have other appointments booked. Also, as I don’t have a waiting room, please do keep that in mind if you arrive early.

How long does a course of therapy last?

The duration of your therapy will depend upon your needs as an individual. I would suggest that in order to explore, understand and integrate who you are, and to affect a longer lasting change, you should be thinking about long-term therapy.
I also offer short-term, focused based therapy of around 6 sessions, which can then be reviewed and discussed as we go along. Short-term work can be very effective at dealing with specific issues such as stress at work, bullying, bereavement, some family and relationship problems.

Are the therapy sessions confidential?

Confidentiality and privacy are extremely important. It is vital that you feel you can speak freely and openly in your therapy session. In our first session we discuss my terms and conditions covering confidentiality and exactly what it means. As a member of BACP (British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy) and UKCP (UK Council for Psychotherapy), I am bound by their Ethical Frameworks for Good Practice in Counselling and Psychotherapy and subject to their Professional Conduct Procedure.

Who can benefit from Psychosynthesis counselling?

Anyone who is searching for more meaning in their lives. Those who are suffering from difficult or unbearable life crises. Anyone who wishes to have a deeper understanding of themselves. Those who feel they are having a “breakdown” or just can’t cope. People with long-term conditions and mental health diagnoses who need more support and feel therapy may help.