You don't need to know which therapy you want.
You may know exactly how you would like to behave or feel, but still find yourself responding in an old, unwanted way. My starting point is not a technique. It is your experience: what happens, what you fear might happen and what you would like to be different.
Sometimes our predictions shape our responses
When something has been painful, embarrassing or frightening, the mind may begin anticipating it happening again. You may watch for warning signs, rehearse the consequences or avoid situations that feel uncertain. These are understandable attempts to protect yourself; sometimes, though, they may help maintain the difficulty.
That can be relevant to the fear of another panic attack, the expectation of a sleepless night or the anticipation of symptoms when you're away from home. It is one useful way to explore some psychological patterns, not a universal explanation or a separately validated therapy.
What working together might involve
- Understand: We identify what is happening and how it affects your life.
- Explore: We look at learned expectations, protective responses and other relevant contributing factors.
- Work towards change: We choose therapeutic approaches suited to you and agree meaningful goals.
- Review: We pay attention to what changes outside the therapy room and adapt when needed.
The therapeutic approaches I use
Clinical hypnotherapy
Hypnosis involves focused attention and absorption. Therapeutic work may use imagery, suggestion, rehearsal and relaxation to help explore and practise different responses. You remain aware and in control. The evidence and appropriateness of hypnotherapy differ by condition, and we can talk about that openly.
More about hypnotherapy →BWRT®
BWRT® is a focused approach I may draw on when an unwanted reaction seems to occur faster than deliberate thought. It is not hypnosis. We discuss what it involves, its limitations and whether it is appropriate rather than assuming it is the right answer for every difficulty.
More about BWRT® →Psychotherapy & counselling
When a difficulty is broader, longstanding or connected with relationships and life experience, conversation and psychological exploration may be an important part of the work.
Parts-based work & practical strategies
Sometimes conflicting needs or patterns feel like different parts of us pulling in opposite directions. We may use that as a helpful metaphor, alongside practical strategies for managing emotion, communicating, changing routines or testing new responses in everyday life.
More about parts-based work →