There are a confusing array of psychotherapies and counselling theories out there, and I point you to a primer on the links page which may help a bit on this one. There's also lots of thought put into the differences between counselling and psychotherapy - the former tending to be shorter (ie a few sessions) than the latter (maybe a year or two or more, and usually exploring deeper issues). I don't attach much significance to the differing terms.

I am qualified as an Integrative Psychotherapist. What this means is difficult to describe in a few words, but my thinking draws upon many ideas. Some of these are from the oldest established psychotherapies, and some from more recent thinking about therapeutic change. I haven't stopped my training, nor do I intend to (nor would it be ethically appropriate).

If you are interested in theory, please read on. I am drawn to a number of theoretical orientations that have developed in the field of psychotherapy since Freud. These have largely been humanist, but psychodynamic and object relations ideas inform me too (which means I take great interest in your early years in the world). Newer ideas from neuroscience that influence well-established ideas about attachment also influence my thinking and practice.

I continue to develop a sense of how to integrate theory into my ideas around how the personality is formed, and how this has an impact on us as life unfolds. I hope that my thinking will never set in stone. Furthermore, I have positive ideas about what psychotherapy can offer to help you, and have a great faith in the process as a postive and helpful one.

I don't offer any "cures" or direct answers to questions as I'm not an expert on YOU (only you are), but I hope to help you to become more of an expert on yourself. I like the analogy that has been made between a psychotherapist and a midwife: my experience helps me to know when it is safe to push and when you should breathe and rest, but ultimately, you will do the hard work in a safe and nurturing environment.