HI, I’M ELIZABETH, A COUNSELLING PSYCHOLOGIST (PRE-REG) AND A REGISTERED COUNSELLOR/PSYCHOTHERAPIST WITH THE BRITISH ASSOCIATION FOR COUNSELLING AND PSYCHOTHERAPY. IF YOU’VE FOUND YOUR WAY TO MY WEBSITE, CHANCES ARE YOU’RE CONSIDERING THERAPY, YET PERHAPS YOU AREN’T TOO SURE WHAT EXACTLY YOU’RE LOOKING FOR/HOW I MIGHT BE ABLE TO HELP?
To give you a little idea of my background, in addition to private practice, I recently completed the third and final year of a Professional Doctorate in Counselling Psychology at the University of East London. Currently in the process of readying my thesis for submission, this course also provided me with three years’ NHS experience as a trainee counselling psychologist; working with depression, anxiety, long-term health problems, addictions, personality disorders, bereavement and psychosexual issues.
Through my career to date, I have come to adopt an eclectic approach to therapy, preferring to adapt to the unique needs of my client; presenting problem, treatment goals, expectations and motivation. Specialising in areas such as relationship issues, self-esteem and psychosexual therapy, I tend to predominantly draw upon psychodynamic theory, where focus is on the psychological roots of emotional suffering. More specifically, I utilise attachment theory, a psychodynamic-informed approach which examines the connections between an infant's early experiences of attachment with primary caregivers—typically parents—and the infant's capacity to grow and eventually establish healthy emotional and physical interactions as an adult.
After exploring from a psychodynamic perspective, I typically begin to incorporate more practical interventions, such as those informed by Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). In a nutshell, this looks at changing the automatic negative thoughts that can exacerbate our emotional difficulties. I also tend to draw from third wave CBT approaches, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT). While the former seeks to help a person accept what is out of their personal control and commit to action that improves and enriches their life, the latter works to aid mental and emotional healing by encouraging a person to be compassionate toward themselves and others. Ultimately, in line with the principles of Counselling Psychology, my goal is to facilitate growth and the actualisation of your potential.
Everyone is unique, therefore I prefer we work together to tailor an approach to therapy that suits your needs and personality. I pride myself on offering an open, non-judgemental space for clients; somewhere you can be free to explore your thoughts and emotions in complete confidentiality. If this sounds good so far, feel free to contact me via the form below to arrange a ten-minute, free consultation.