In the heart of difficulty we can find our deepest potential.
Being alive in a body is no easy ride! In the flow of Life we inevitably encounter adverse circumstances in which we feel extremely unsafe. This can result in painful or overwhelming feelings that we may not have the internal or external support to process and move through. Most commonly, this happens in the context of an interpersonal relationship, especially early in life when we are most vulnerable. It may also occur as a result of an accident or illness. Our instinctive reaction in such situations can be to adopt creative coping strategies to make sure we are not flooded by the overwhelming feelings or emotional wounding, as a way of protecting ourselves from harm. Unfortunately, we may go on to find ourselves living with fixed coping strategies that have unintended negative effects and limit the expression of our deepest potential. This is often, but not always, what motivates people to seek therapy. Maybe you somehow intuit - or simply hope - that your life could be different, but fear exploring what feels painful or difficult. None of this is a sign of failure or weakness. It is an inevitable part of the landscape of this human experience which can prompt us to discover our greatest depths.
It can be difficult to find our way through challenges such as these. Reaching out to a counsellor or psychotherapist for support is an empowering step to take - you are choosing to meet the difficulty and begin a process which leads to healing and growth.
I provide a safe, confidential relationship within which you can explore those aspects of your lived experience that you need support with. I work with the intuitive understanding that we all have the ability to meet any experience with an open heart and open mind. I can support you to be present in this way with whatever has been feeling difficult, painful, stuck and unresolved. This is what catalyses a natural process of healing, integration and growth. Counter-intuitively, if we explore what's difficult and attend to our emotional wounds we find that some of our deepest gifts and capacities emerge from the process. This is a journey in which you will uncover and experience inherent qualities of your core Self such as compassion, clarity, confidence, creativity, calm and love.
I am a counsellor and psychotherapist with a private practice in the North of Bristol, between Ashley Down, Eastville and Easton. I work with individuals and couples, both face-to-face and online. My primary therapeutic approach is Internal Family Systems. This powerful modality is at the leading edge of modern psychological therapies, especially in the treatment of trauma. It is a fast growing influence around the globe, supported by a growing body of research. I also offer Tango Couples Therapy, an alternative, dance-oriented approach to couples therapy. I have an extensive background in meditation practice, including mindfulness, which informs my therapeutic practice.
I am a qualified Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapist. I also have a postgraduate Diploma in Gestalt Counselling and a further Diploma in Gestalt Psychotherapy. I am a Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), on the BACP Accredited Register and I abide by its Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions.
If you are seeking a counsellor or psychotherapist as an individual or a couple, either online or in North Bristol (near Eastville/Easton/Ashley Down), you are welcome to get in touch with me here.
