How does therapy work?

I see psychotherapy as a way to better understand the narratives of our lives and the stories we believe about ourselves. These may have been created as a result of earlier experiences, the society and culture we live in, or any other reason we're yet to discover. Psychotherapy gives you a chance to explore your narrative in a confidential and professional space. Sometimes it's a case of reclaiming your story, perhaps after a shock event, sometimes it's about redefining your story if life feels like it has drifted off course. Either way, therapy can help you become the author again, able to confront whatever challenges you have with renewed self-belief so that you feel confident about your future. 

Ultimately, I believe that as a client, you have all the answers and resources within you – my role is to help you bring them to light. 

My belief in the transformational power of psychotherapy is supported by over a decade of experience working in various settings including the NHS, The School of Life, charity settings and the Harley Street area in central London. In that time, I have helped people move through challenges with anxiety and depression, relational trauma, divorce/separation, abuse, codependency, addiction, low self-esteem, panic attacks, self-harm and eating disorders.

The results are life-changing. 

How do I work?

As an integrative psychotherapist and counsellor, I draw on a range of psychotherapy models to create a style that suits you. I blend aspects of neuroscience, attachment theory, psychodynamics, humanism, relational psychoanalysis, body psychotherapy and mindfulness. We can work on an open-ended basis or agree to a specific number of sessions that works for you.

Special interest

My special interest is in the role of the father and the many ways that shapes us personally. This exploration can have huge transformational power for everyone, whatever your gender. Together, it can look like us exploring:

- How your relationship with your father may have shaped you
- How you may have been impacted by having an absent father (physically absent or emotionally absent)
- How you might be triggered by relationships today (including parenting or fathering) and how to transform those triggers 
- How you can create healthier relationships with yourself and your loved ones
- How you can hone your confidence and healthy masculine energy in different areas of your life 
- How you define your identity (including your father-identity 'Patrescence') 

Other ways to work with me:

I have created a range of self-support resources on my website to support you in your therapy journey at www.jennifercawley.co.uk.

These include: 
- Transform your Triggers: a 6-module online self-study course that helps you understand and transform your triggers. You can listen on the go or read at your own pace
- Triggers Toolbook: a free workbook of therapy tools to help you transform your triggers
- Blog: a collection of posts giving you psychological insight and educational tools

Written work
I have contributed to Vitality magazine on issues on mental health [http://magazine.vitality.co.uk/author/jennifer-crawley/]. I have conducted research on the role of the father and the affects of paternal absence following divorce/separation. I have also written for Contemporary Psychotherapy on my early experience of training as a psychotherapist.

 Follow me on Instagram @JenniferCawleyTherapy