Janice Acquah
Integrative psychotherapistAbout Me
I am a UKCP & BACP registered, integrative counsellor and psychotherapist offering a warm, supportive, accepting and confidential space in which we can explore, together, what has brought you to counselling.
You may be feeling desperate or have a niggling sense that you could be getting more from life. I believe in the value of working through your dilemmas, anxieties, low mood, concerns or traumas, within a therapeutic relationship that can offer a real meeting between us as individuals. I aim to offer a safe but robust space in which you can risk becoming more fully yourself, whatever that may mean to you.
Together, we can address what you are bringing and consider practical strategies. We can also creatively explore what might help, using images, increasing body-mind awareness or, should you wish to, drawing, dreams or writing. We may work on finding meaning in your ‘story’. But, in my experience, people often feedback to me that having the sense of being really listened to and heard can be an important first stage. To support the process, nurturing kindness and acceptance within ourselves can be key and a good therapeutic relationship can help this to develop. We can find out what works for you.
My experience includes work in private practice, a low-cost therapy service, an alcohol dependency and recovery centre, student counselling at SOAS (University of London), counselling secondary school students with Place2Be and an honorary position with The South London and Maudsley Hospital. I have worked with people on issues including anxiety, panic attacks, stress, depression, bereavement, miscarriage, addiction and recovery, eating disorders, trauma, surviving childhood sexual abuse, domestic abuse, self-harm, chronic illness, being a carer, workplace tensions, cultural difference, sexuality, parenting dilemmas and relationship issues.
Research findings rate the quality of the therapeutic relationship as having a significant impact on the effectiveness of the therapy. I offer a reduced-fee introductory session so you can get a sense of whether my approach feels right for you and I can consider whether I feel I can be of help. Meeting other therapists before you make a decision can be a useful part of the process.
You can find out more about me by visiting www.beingalivetherapy.com
Locations
Issues often worked with
Therapy offered
Client groups
Fees
£70-£85 a session (with occasional availability for slightly lower rates. Currently no low cost availability.)
Initial session £50
Training and qualifications
I have a Masters and Advanced Diploma in Integrative Psychotherapy from Middlesex University having trained at The Minster Centre in London. Prior to that, I received a Certificate in Integrative Psychotherapy and Counselling from Regents College, London. I also have a Level 1 certificate in Sensorimotor Psychotherapy.
My first degree was in Biology with a specialism in environmental biology.
My training has included humanistic theories such as a person-centred approach, Gestalt and existential ideas, as well as attachment theory, relational psychoanalysis, contemporary body psychotherapy and current thinking on trauma and the body informed by findings from neuroscience. I have also received specialist training in working with alcohol and addiction from Haringey Recovery Service and trained in neighbour mediation with Camden Mediation Service. Additional training includes CBT, eating disorders, self-harm and suicide and working with young people using art and play therapy (with Place2Be).
I have experience of mindfulness through MBCT and yoga. I continue to develop my interest in body psychotherapy through additional CPD and I am supervised by a relational psychotherapist.