individual psychotherapy

Building a sanctuary

Before we dive into the dense, overwhelming parts of your inner terrain, we spend our first several sessions getting to know each other. Our initial priority is establishing a deep sense of emotional safety, both within yourself and in the relational space between us. Think of this phase as us clearing some brush and building a cosy little cottage from which to observe and notice the goings-on in the enchanted forest of your psyche. From this secure foundation, where we go next is entirely up to you.

Resting in the clearing

There will be times when you want to stay near the safety of the cottage, which is a valid, vital part of the work. During these sessions, we might invite heavy emotions inside to learn more about them, figure out what areas of the forest you feel ready to visit or level up the psychological skills needed for deeper exploration. Sometimes, the most important work we can do is reinforce the garden walls, make the cottage feel safer and build up your internal resilience before venturing further.

Into the woods

At other times, when you feel grounded and ready, we’ll leave the clearing behind and venture deep into the forest. This is where we explore the conscious and unconscious challenges that brought you to therapy in the first place, including the universal complications of human existence. My role in this space is that of a fellow traveller. I’m here to walk beside you as you face dark truths, sit with difficult experiences and make lasting meaning out of whatever you encounter on the path.