More about me and my therapy approach

Since qualifying from my Counselling Psychology training in 2008 at London Metropolitan University I continued specialist training in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy at Royal Holloway University whilst working in the NHS for an IAPT (Improving Access for Psychological Therapies) service in north London, where I stayed for the next 10 years. In 2013 I worked as a senior lecturer at the London Metropolitan University’s Counselling Psychology Doctorate where I stayed until 2016. I started training in EMDR (Eye Movement Desentisitation and reprocessing) in 2014 and became an accredited EMDR therapist in 2022. I have worked in private practice since 2017 in London and online.

During my years as a practicing Psychologist I have worked extensively with a range of mental health difficulties including:

Depression, grief and bereavement, relationship issues, low self-esteem and anxiety disorders including panic disorder, social anxiety, OCD, GAD, specific phobia, health anxiety, trauma and PTSD, complex and developmental trauma.

I use a warm and reflective approach to therapy and place great emphasis on collaboration with my clients, adapting my methods to best suit your individual needs and goals. With my wealth of experience, diverse skill set and compassionate approach, I provide an effective practice of therapy, whether you're seeking support for a specific issue or looking to enhance your overall well-being.

I work integratively and draw upon a range of frameworks including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and 3rd wave approaches including Compassion Focused Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Alongside the therapeutic frameworks of CBT and EMDR, I use the attachment theory framework and schema therapy concepts and strategies in my practice. These are particularly valuable when working with relational issues and addressing long-standing maladaptive patterns in an individual's life.

Having trained in EMDR has transformed my practice immensely and can be helpful for people who have tried other types of therapy in the past, but still find themselves struggling. Except for being an effective treatment for trauma and PTSD, it can be used extensively with other difficulties. EMDR provides a different way of working with earlier experiences in someone’s life that may on a subconscious level influence patterns of thinking, feeling and behaving that we may not be aware of and may find difficult to change. Negative self-belief embedded in such experiences can subconsciously drive negative self-perceptions which manifests as a current problem, whether that is anxiety, depression, unhealthy relationship patterns or low self-esteem. Targeting and reprocessing these events with EMDR can provide a release of negative belief and emotion, which can help the brain and body to reset. This process often enables new healthier perspectives to arise and can give a sense of freedom where one can feel more present and in charge of one's life.

Being born and raised in Sweden, I can also provide sessions in Swedish.

What I can help with

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Self-esteem

Your self-esteem forms the foundation of your self-worth and confidence. If you struggle with low self-esteem, it can impact your relationships, career, and overall well-being. I focus on helping you enhance your self-worth and self-perception. Through our work together, you can develop a more positive self-image, understand and communicate your needs better, set boundaries, and enable you to approach life's challenges with greater self-confidence.

Depression

Depression can feel like an unrelenting cloud that hovers over every aspect of your life, sapping your energy and enthusiasm. If you're struggling with depression, you're not alone, and there is hope. I offer guidance and support to help you find that hope, explore the root causes of your depression, and develop coping mechanisms to foster a brighter outlook. Through therapy, you can regain a sense of purpose and work towards a more fulfilling life.

Grief and Bereavement

Losing a loved one can be one of life's most challenging experiences. Grief and bereavement can manifest in various ways, and I offer compassionate support to help you navigate the grieving process. Together, we'll explore your feelings, find ways to cope with loss, and ultimately find a path towards healing and a renewed sense of purpose.

Relationships

Healthy relationships are essential for our emotional well-being. Whether you're facing challenges in personal or professional relationships, I can provide guidance to foster healthier and more fulfilling connections. Through therapy, you can develop effective communication skills, better understand relationship dynamics, and work towards building stronger and more satisfying relationships.

Trauma/PTSD

Trauma can leave lasting emotional scars and affect your ability to function in daily life. Whether you've experienced a single traumatic event or prolonged exposure to trauma, I specialise in trauma treatment, particularly using Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). This evidence-based approach can help you process past traumatic experiences and alleviate their impact on your present life, promoting emotional healing and resilience.

Complex and Developmental Trauma

Trauma can take many forms, and its effects can be profound, especially if we have been exposed to abuse or neglect during our formative years or in a significant relationship, I specialise in addressing such trauma's impact on self-identity and impact on emotional well-being, Through therapy, we'll work on processing traumatic experiences which can lead to a new sense of self-discovery, strength and self-belief.

Anxiety

Anxiety is a common and often overwhelming emotional state that can affect various aspects of your life. It may manifest as excessive worry, restlessness, and physical symptoms like rapid heart rate or shortness of breath. I can provide you with a range of effective strategies and techniques to manage and reduce anxiety's impact on your daily life. Together, we'll work on regaining control, promoting relaxation, and helping you face life's challenges with greater calmness and confidence.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) can lead to intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors that interfere with your daily life. I provide guidance and support to help you manage these distressing symptoms and regain control. By working together, we'll develop strategies to reduce the impact of OCD on your life and promote a greater sense of well-being.

Panic

Panic attacks can be incredibly distressing, often causing an overwhelming surge of fear and physical symptoms that can feel debilitating. If you're struggling with panic attacks or panic disorder, it's essential to know that you're not alone, and help is available.

I specialize in assisting individuals who experience panic attacks, providing practical strategies to manage and minimize the impact of these distressing episodes on your daily life. Through therapy, you can gain a deeper understanding of the underlying triggers and thoughts that contribute to panic, allowing you to develop effective coping mechanisms. Together, we'll work towards regaining control over panic, promoting a sense of calm, and helping you face future challenges with greater confidence and resilience.

Social Anxiety

Social anxiety can be a significant barrier to personal and professional growth. It might manifest as fear of public speaking, avoidance of social interactions, or overwhelming self-consciousness. I will assist you in building confidence and conquering social anxiety by offering strategies and techniques to help you navigate social situations with greater ease and empower you to communicate and connect more effectively with others.

Health Anxiety

Health anxiety can be all-consuming, leading to excessive worry and fear about medical issues. If you're dealing with health-related anxieties, Our work will focus on helping you manage your concerns and regain a sense of control. Together, we'll address your specific fears and develop strategies to prevent health anxiety from dominating your thoughts and emotions.

Specific Phobia

Specific phobias can be intensely distressing, and they often lead to avoidance behaviors. I offer evidence-based methods to help you overcome specific fears and phobias, allowing you to regain control over your life and confront these fears with confidence.

Other Anxiety Disorders

Beyond generalised anxiety, I am equipped to address a wide range of anxiety disorders. Whether you're dealing with specific phobias, panic attacks, or other anxiety-related issues, I can provide individualised approaches and strategies tailored to your unique needs.

Perfectionism

Striving for excellence is admirable, but when perfectionism becomes an unattainable and stressful goal, it can hinder your well-being. I focus on helping you develop a healthier relationship with self-imposed standards. Through therapy, you can find balance, reduce the stress associated with perfectionism, and cultivate self-acceptance.

Stress

Stress is a common aspect of modern life, and managing it effectively is crucial for your well-being. I offer practical stress management techniques to help you improve your overall quality of life. By learning to identify stressors and implement coping strategies, you can achieve greater balance and resilience in the face of life's challenges.

Anger

Anger is a natural emotion, but when it becomes difficult to manage and express constructively, it can negatively impact your life and relationships. I provide guidance and tools to help you understand and manage anger, fostering healthier emotional responses.

Confidence

Confidence is the cornerstone of personal growth achievement and well-being. The development of self-confidence can be hindered by difficult life-experiences which shape negative beliefs about ourselves.. By helping you connect with and heal the wounded parts of yourself with self-compassion, a more authentic and confident self can emerge. where you can pursue your goals without fears and doubt holding you back.