Ceri Lush

I have worked within the NHS for a number of years, seeing individuals for both short and longer term counselling/psychotherapy so I am experienced in working with people from a wide range of backgrounds, ethnicities and ages 18+ . I work with whatever you bring to me; including a range of emotional difficulties – depression, anxiety, identity or intercultural issues, loss, traumatic experiences, workplace and relationship problems. I am here to help expand self-understanding with the aim of increasing your personal agency to make desired life changes. I practise psychodynamic psychotherapy which is a talking therapy for people who want to think about how they relate to others, and who have an awareness that their personal history impacts on how they feel about themselves.  It is not directive, which means that there is no ‘agenda’; but an openness to the idea of discussing issues from the past is needed, with the understanding that this may be very painful and may take some time.  A psychodynamic approach allows the client to talk freely and draws attention to things that they might not have previously been fully aware of.  I will also comment on the interaction between myself and the client in the session when I feel it may be reflective of what is happening in outside of the therapy space. The therapist helps the client to understand that we don’t always consciously recognise all of our past experiences and tendencies which may have led to problematic patterns of behaviour in our relationships.  By bringing these occurrences more into conscious awareness and exploring and processing them, the client’s self-esteem and sense of personal agency in terms of improving their quality of life starts to increase.   In tandem, the aim is to reduce unwanted behaviours that create obstacles in life and personal distress. In the initial consultation session, we can think about what you are looking for in therapy and whether we would like to work together. If I don't think what I can offer is suitable for you, I can help in thinking about other types of therapy options and signposting. We can also clarify whether we are going to work together short or longer term and whether it will be face to face (I work from Finchley central, Muswell Hill, or Kings Cross) or online. If we decide to go ahead we will find a time that works which will be the same time on the same day on a weekly basis. I am registered with the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (BACP) and the British Psychoanalytic Council (BPC) . I am currently available Mondays and Fridays offering both long and short term therapy.