Alice Lea
Integrative psychotherapistAbout Me
I often work with people on their relationship to themselves, particularly with internal critical thoughts. For many individuals, rumination or chronic self-criticism feels like the only way to be, and it can seem a revelation to realise that perhaps automatically relating to themselves in condemning, unkind, or suspicious ways may not be necessary, and new habits can be formed. We will look at how thought patterns developed, and explore ways in which to develop healthier, balanced ways to reflect. This in turn can affect, even very subtly, a person’s behaviour and interactions with the world and others.
Whatever brings you to therapy, I aim to create a calm and accepting space for you to explore what's going on, to be yourself and gain greater insight as to who that is. If you feel a desire for change, I work collaboratively with you to decide upon both the route and the destination. And, looking beyond therapy, I hope to help you develop a sense of assurance in your own beliefs and values, and an understanding of how to draw on your inner resources to face life's challenges.
Issues often worked with
Types of therapy
Therapy offered
Client groups
Fees
I charge £25 for the initial assessment and £60 per session thereafter.
The assessment will give us the chance to get to know each other and see if we’d like to work together. If so, we’ll meet on a weekly basis, at the same agreed time, for a fifty minute session. The number of sessions we have is up to you and we can discuss this as part of the assessment.
I take regular breaks and will give you as much notice as possible. Missed sessions outside agreed periods will need to be paid for so I can hold the slot for you. I will always try to rearrange where possible.
Training and qualifications
I have a private practice and work with a broad variety of individuals, on numerous presenting issues such as, relationship troubles, life transitions, self-esteem, work stress and feeling stuck. I also work for Wellbeing in the Arts, and I've previously been an honorary counsellor for Mind in Haringey, and a low-cost service in south west London.
I have worked in a number of sectors; however, visual art has always played a part. Most pertinent to where I am now, I created and led art workshops in various community classes, such as parent and baby; mental health patients; Alzheimer and dementia groups. I learned from this experience that the process is more important than the outcome of the artistic exercise, and was encouraged to see that the activities I devised provided relaxation and calm for the participants.
Qualifications:
University of East London, Postgraduate Diploma Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP accredited)
Tavistock Relationships, Introduction to Psychodynamic Couples Psychotherapy
City Lit London, Person-Centred Counselling Skills Level 2
University of Leeds, BA (hons) Fine Art International, incl. 1 year at Jan Matejko Academy of Fine Arts, Krakow