How I Work
This page explains my therapeutic approach, what happens in sessions, and what you can expect if we work together. Whether you are considering therapy for the first time or looking for a new therapist, this will give you a clear picture of how I practice.
I work as an integrative psychotherapist, drawing on person-centred, psychodynamic, and transactional analysis approaches. Sessions are held online via a secure video platform and last 50 minutes. The therapeutic relationship is always at the heart of our work together, and I tailor my approach to what feels most helpful for you.
An Integrative Approach
Integrative psychotherapy means I do not follow a single rigid model. Instead, I draw on several well-established therapeutic traditions and adapt my approach depending on what you bring to each session and what feels most useful.
The three main frameworks that inform my work are:
Person-centred therapy focuses on creating a safe, non-judgemental space where you feel genuinely heard. I follow your lead rather than imposing a fixed agenda. The idea is that when you feel truly accepted, you are better able to explore difficult feelings and find your own way forward.
Psychodynamic therapy looks at how past experiences and relationships shape the way you think, feel, and relate to others now. This can help make sense of patterns that feel stuck or confusing, particularly in relationships or at work.
Transactional analysis offers a framework for understanding how you communicate and interact with others. It can be particularly helpful for making sense of dynamics in relationships, family patterns, and workplace conflicts.
In practice, this means our sessions are not one-size-fits-all. Some weeks we might focus on what is happening right now. Other weeks we might explore how the past is showing up in the present. I follow what is most helpful for you.
What Happens in Sessions
All sessions are held online via a secure video platform. This means you can attend from wherever feels most comfortable and private for you.
A standard therapy session lasts 50 minutes. Sessions are usually held weekly at a regular time, though this can be adjusted to suit your needs.
The Initial Assessment
Before we begin ongoing work, we start with an initial assessment session lasting up to 90 minutes. This gives us time to talk about what has brought you to therapy, what you are hoping for, and whether working together feels like the right fit. During the initial assessment, we gather information about your personal history, family dynamics, and what has brought you to therapy. We focus on identifying your needs, understanding your goals, and carrying out a risk assessment.
There is no obligation to continue after the assessment. I also offer a short, free introductory call beforehand so we can have an initial conversation before you commit to anything.
The Therapeutic Relationship
The relationship between therapist and client is at the centre of everything I do. Research consistently shows that the quality of this relationship is one of the strongest predictors of positive outcomes in therapy, regardless of the specific approach used.
I aim to be warm, honest, and straightforward. Therapy is not about me telling you what to do. It is a collaborative process where we work together to help you understand yourself better and make the changes you want to make.
Scope and Boundaries
What is integrative psychotherapy?
Integrative psychotherapy draws on multiple theoretical approaches — including person-centred, psychodynamic, and transactional analysis — and adapts them to each client's needs. Rather than following one fixed model, I use the tools and frameworks that are most helpful for what you are working through, with the therapeutic relationship always at the centre.
What happens in a typical session?
Sessions are held online via a secure video platform and last 50 minutes. There is no set format — some sessions involve talking through what is on your mind that week, others might explore patterns from the past or focus on a specific difficulty. I follow your lead and we work at your pace.
How often should I have therapy?
Most clients attend weekly, which helps build momentum and consistency. However, this can be adjusted to suit your needs and circumstances. We can discuss what works best for you during the initial assessment. Sessions are held weekly. This helps build momentum and consistency in the therapeutic work.
Do I have to talk about everything straight away?
No. There is no pressure to share anything before you are ready. Therapy works at your pace. Some people arrive knowing exactly what they want to talk about, others need time to settle in and build trust. Both are completely fine. I will never push you to discuss something you are not comfortable with.
What if I don't know what to say?
That is more common than you might think, and it is absolutely fine. You do not need to arrive with a plan or a list. Sometimes the most valuable sessions start with silence or uncertainty. Part of my role is to help you find the words for things that are difficult to articulate.
If you would like to find out more or book an initial session, please get in touch. I offer a short, free introductory call so we can have an initial conversation before you commit to anything.