Although my practice is also influenced by psychodynamic and attachment theories, at its core and in its practical way of relating to clients in the consulting room, it is informed by an existential-phenomenological approach to psychotherapy.
Many of the challenges that have the greatest impact on our lives are not psychological in nature, but existential. They are about finding meaning in life, or more precisely about creating meaning for ourselves within a universe that doesn’t provide universal meaning. Existential psychotherapy is based on the understanding that each person is the creator of their own life and has the freedom to choose how to respond to each moment of existence, while taking into account that there are certain life ‘givens’ that we have to live with (starting from the fact that we are born - we did not ask for it! - and yes, that much dreaded thought that makes existentialism sound a bit gloomy to some, that we are finite beings and will die one day).
Working from an existential perspective, I seek to understand how clients coming to seek my help experience life from their unique perspective. In my work I aim to address the causes rather than the presenting symptoms of psychological problems, and do not follow rigidly prescribed procedures. I try to engage seriously with what matters most to my clients, with a non-judgemental stance and with the goal to help my clients explore and become aware of their values, attitudes and beliefs in relation to their life issues. The underlying assumption is that most people will ultimately be able to live life well in their own way, once they have had the opportunity to think about and identify what it is that matters most to them and which stance towards their life makes it meaningful to them.
THE MAIN GOALS OF EXISTENTIAL PSYCHOTHERAPY
To better cope with anxiety:
We all share certain conscious or unconscious anxieties. Personal values and goals aren’t always straightforward and at certain stages in life we may experience a painful bewilderment and anxiety of not knowing what direction to take. In my therapy practice I help my clients examine the roots of some of their anxieties and by gaining a deeper understanding of such anxieties clients usually find that they can better cope with them.
To increase self-awareness and therefore authentic living:
We often make decisions based on pressure and influence from society, family, and friends instead of listening to our own needs and desires. As a consequence there may be inner conflicts, unhappiness, and feelings of powerlessness. In existential therapy, my challenge is to help clients become more truthful with themselves and authentic in the choices they make.
To be able to take responsibility for decisions:
Through an existential analysis of their current situation and life choices, I aim to help my clients develop a better sense of how they are the authors of their lives, to become more aware of the different choices available to them, their freedom to make decisions, and the consequences of their actions for themselves and the people around them.
To find personal meaning:
Unfortunately a sense of emptiness and meaninglessness are quite pervasive problems in our society. They lead to despair, great psychological discomfort, destructive activities and addictions. I seek to help my clients to uncover meaning in their lives, even when life means painful experiences and crises, through deep personal reflection and subsequent action. I pay attention to my clients’ emotions, beliefs, and talents, and encourage them to find their own meanings and truths.
To live in the present and to full potential:
Part of my task as an existential therapist is to help my clients come to terms with the fact that we live in the moment, that everything passes and nothing lasts. Although this may sound depressing at first, the goal is to get clients to appreciate that life is their experience in the here and now, and they should live more fully in each moment. By clarifying and choosing among different ways of living, ultimately they have the opportunity to lead richer and more meaningful lives.Qualifications & Training
MA in Existential Psychotherapy and Counselling.
Foundation Certificate in Psychotherapy and Counselling.
MA in Psychology of the Arts.Experience
I have been practicing since 2006 in a variety of settings both privately and within the NHS.Fees
£60-80 (concessions available).
Appointments available daytime, evenings and Saturdays.
Key words for this entry:
Couples, Individual Counselling, Adults, Long-term, Short-term, Single sessions, Time-limited, Face-to-face, Concessionary rates, Abortion, Abuse, Addiction, Aging, Anxiety, Attachment, Bereavement, Body image, Commitment, Conflict, Crisis Support, Depression, Divorce, Separation, Identity, Infertility, Insomnia, Loss, Self-esteem, Miscarriage, Narcissism, Psychosomatic, Relationships, Self-confidence, Spirituality, Stress, Suicide, Surgery/amputation, Trauma, Unemployment, Weight, Workplace, Existential, Psychodynamic, Life Coaching. |
