Hello. The question I am asked most frequently is ‘why would I choose to see a psychotherapist?’, so I thought I would address this question first and foremost.

There is no ‘right’ reason to consider therapy. How we feel in our lives should never be compared to how others feel in theirs. Our experiences, and our reactions to what life throws at us are our own, and nobody else’s.

Some people come to therapy after a bereavement, the breakdown of a relationship, or perhaps the loss of a job. Sometimes feelings of anxiety or depression, lethargy or general feelings of purposelessness can seem insurmountable, yet inexplicable.

Some people find themselves confused in their circumstances – ‘How did I get here, and what do I do now?’ – or are struggling to make decisions. Times of transition are often fraught with anxiety eg. the beginning or end of university, marriage, parenthood, retirement.

Others feel that although on the surface they have everything they need, there is still a niggling feeling – a hunch, perhaps – that something isn’t quite right.

Psychotherapy and counselling offer an environment in which to talk about your concerns, to make them alive in the presence of a therapist; someone who is trained to remain non-judgemental, and who isn’t part of your life on a day-to-day basis. Together we can look at the various parts of your life and try to understand how they all fit together.

I would describe my approach as psychodynamic, but lean towards an existential perspective. Whilst the importance of past events, and relationship patterns or dynamics are integral to the person you are today, it is how you come to clarify and understand those events from the perspective of the present that will enable you to move forward.

In particular I feel that both the psychodynamic and existential approaches are more accessible and more relevant in a multicultural and increasingly secular society. Existential psychotherapy asks us to consider our values, and what really matters to us. We are invited to examine our lives, and encouraged to live courageously, responsibly, and with authenticity.

Crucially, therapy is a collaborative endeavour. We will work together to identify patterns, gently question existing assumptions, and hopefully learn something about how you are carrying yourself through the world and interacting with others.

As well as private practice with individuals for counselling, I have a broad range of clinical experience, including working with both female and male survivors of sexual violence, working within a university setting, and also currently work within the South London and Maudsley (SLaM) NHS Trust.

I have previous experience working in the film and television industries, primarily in drama development, and retain an interest in these fields, and welcome clients from the arts and media sector.