“YOU CAN EXERT NO INFLUENCE IF YOU ARE NOT SUSCEPTIBLE TO INFLUENCE”

(CARL JUNG, 1929, PARA 163)

PSYCHOTHERAPY

I can relate to this quote from Jung (I can relate to many quotes from Jung!). For me, he has explained so well the complexities of human development, without resorting to pathologising, which I think is an important perspective in psychotherapy. I read in this quote an acknowledgement of the reciprocal, relational nature of psychotherapy. My own personal and professional development has been influenced by many inspiring clients along with trainers, teachers, supervisors and psychotherapists. Their influence, and my openness to their influence, is what has shaped me into the integrative psychotherapist I am today. My intention is always to create a psychological understanding of each person’s experiences, without blame, shame or judgement and to exert positive influence to support them in making the necessary changes they need in their lives.    

The kaleidoscope has become a useful metaphor for describing the style of integrative psychotherapy I practice today.  Beads and glass of all sorts of colours and shapes, seemingly messy and random, when seen through the lens, with different mirrors reflecting the light, create an infinity of possibilities. With a slight twist, there is a shift, a movement and then a new unity, a beautiful new image. The coloured beads and glass symbolise the wide range of psychological theories/models/approaches that can be integrated into a cohesive whole, for each unique individual in psychotherapy. They can also represent the vast inner resources/treasures that each person has, and that with reflection and adjustment, can create a new vision of self.    

As a Psychologist specialising in Psychotherapy, I am familiar with, and experienced in, applying a broad range of evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Schema Therapy, Compassion-Focussed Therapy (CFT). Over the many years of practice, I have also come to an appreciation of the art of integrating these approaches in psychotherapy to suit each individual: How a person is met and understood in the psychotherapy space, how safety and trust is built up as part of the psychotherapeutic relationship and how there can be many opportunities for growth, transformative healing and change.      

Trauma & Depth Psychology  

The areas I have specialised in over the years include working with adults who have experienced childhood trauma and abuse.  I worked as Director in a specialist trauma service for eighteen years.  I help people to heal from trauma by identifying the impact their earlier experiences have on their lives currently and by providing effective therapeutic strategies and resources to build their capacities to manage everyday life.

Sometimes when words are not enough it is necessary to find more creative ways to find expression. There are many approaches that can help such as using metaphor, images, symbols, story/myth, drama, movement and art. These can help to connect with deeper, more hidden parts, which may need to be attended to. Engaging the imagination in these ways can bring us closer to the unconscious and psychotherapy can help to make the unconscious conscious. Increasing our awareness of ourselves in all our aspects, obvious and hidden, guides us on our path to what Jung calls individuation. The path to us becoming more whole. I accompany others on, what can be, a deep and soulful journey.