Ben Crawshaw
Psychodynamic psychotherapistAbout Me
Are you looking for a safe, confidential place to explore what is troubling you? As you have come this far, it's likely that finding the best professional help is important to you.
I'm a psychodynamic psychotherapist with over 13 years experience of helping people in emotional distress, both in private practice and various NHS, CAMHS and educational settings. My practice is in central London, in quiet and comfortable rooms, a few minutes walk from Oxford Circus. I have a particular interest in working with young adults aged 18 - 30.
You may be curious to understand yourself in more depth, or have a particular issue you wonder if I can help you with. I have extensive experience working with difficulties such as anxiety, panic attacks, depression, anger, self harm, issues with self-esteem, identity, sexuality, family and relationships and the aftermath of trauma, neglect and abuse.
How therapy can help
There are times in all our lives when we find things overwhelming, we can struggle with feeling anxious, depressed or confused and may be unsure how to make things better. Often, the support of family and friends can be enough to get us through. If the difficulties persist however, this may increase stress and unhappiness at home and work. If you're at this stage, then psychotherapy might be helpful for you.
I offer a safe and confidential environment where you can explore what is troubling you without fear of criticism or judgment. Together, we can get a clearer picture of your situation and come to an understanding of the problems. Taking time to go into matters during the course of therapy can bring relief and help life to feel more manageable.
I am interested in how the experiences we have lead us to adopt fears and beliefs that continue to shape our lives, even in ways we don't consciously choose. Becoming aware of the influence our expectations have can help us to make different choices, and build a more stable and balanced sense of self.
My approach is usually helpful for people that feel their problems are more complex or deep rooted. Psychodynamic therapy aims not only for the relief of symptoms in the short term but for change that is lasting and can provide the catalyst for a lifelong process of development.
How does it work?
Initially I offer a consultation process which will help you explore whatever is troubling you and to see whether my approach would be helpful. If you are interested in working with me, or have any queries, please feel free to contact me via email or phone. If I'm not available right away, I'll get back to you as soon as I can. You may wish to leave me a message suggesting a time for me to call you.
Issues often worked with
Therapy offered
Client groups
Fees
My fees range from £50 - £75 per session, depending on your circumstances.
Training and qualifications
I completed an extensive five year training as a psychotherapist at Regents University, School of Psychotherapy and Counselling Psychology. Further to this, I studied early child development in depth at the renowned Tavistock and Portman NHS Trust.
As well as maintaining a private practice, I've been employed in several NHS psychotherapy departments, in primary care and in charitable organisations.
I oversaw a therapy service in a large senior school and worked as part of a complex needs Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS), covering four London boroughs.
I continue to hold positions in educational settings, providing therapeutic interventions for children, young people and parents, and supervision for trainee therapists.
I've explored embodiment in a variety of ways for over 10 years. My client work is informed by an awareness of what our bodies tell us about our experience.
Prior to my professional training I studied music.