In addition to a specialism in addiction, particularly alcohol, drug and sex and love addictions, I work with many forms of suffering, including anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, bereavement, and so on. I have a broad training and have worked in a variety of settings including the NHS, Priory Group and charitable sector. Along with the information below, you can also visit my webpage to learn more about me and how I work, including articles and a short video, here: https://www.farahtherapycentre.co.uk/alex-profile.

The root of the problem

I believe that we all have a deep need to be understood; the feeling that another human being gets it. For some of us, that feeling is all too rare. Without it, our lives can become deeply unfulfilling, painful and hard, and we can feel let down by others, hurt and alone.

Sometimes we don't even understand for ourselves why things are so difficult. Perhaps we've become trapped by events of the past, or we can’t imagine a new future because the present is so intolerable. Faced with this we try to feel better, turning to ways of being that, although they helped initially perhaps, over time just made things worse.

What to expect from therapy and how I can help

Having trained in an integration of psychoanalytic, humanistic (person-centred) and existential approaches, I can adapt to each individual client's needs, both in the moment and over the course of therapy. I focus on building a strong, trusting relationship with the client, as it is from this place of security that we can safely explore whatever difficulties are present, and seek solutions.

In particular, I specialise in existential psychotherapy, an approach that considers all aspects of a person's life in thinking about their difficulties: their individual history, present experiences and future aspirations, and how all of these influence their thoughts, feelings and behaviours. In short, I work to understand what it’s like to be in your unique situation and how you exist within it, seeking to open up new possibilities for living, with the hope that your life becomes more fulfilling and satisfying.

How the process will be structured

I offer an initial consultation of 50 minutes so we can see whether we might work together successfully. After that, we would agree a mutually suitable, regular time to meet. Although I do work short-term, a willingness to work long-term is essential, as I believe most lasting improvements come about this way.