Frequently asked questions

My main approach is the Internal Family Systems paradigm. IFS, developed by Dick Schwartz over 30 years ago is an evidence based therapy, well regarded in the USA and beginning to take off here. In our sessions together we meet and get to know a person’s internal community or family and ask each one about themselves, how they came to be in being, what their role is and who might they be protecting or what burden might they be holding. It is assumed that each of us possesses a variety of sub-personalities or parts .. and so attempt to get to know each of these parts better to achieve harmony and healing. If you’ve seen the film Inside Out you might get a clearer idea of this.. we have little people inside us each with their own wants, needs, dreams and fears.

I work with both individuals and couples. With couples I use an IFIO lens. “Intimacy from the Inside Out© is a model of couples therapy that draws primarily from the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model of psychotherapy, but also includes aspects of psychodynamic theory, systems thinking and neuroscience. It is an experiential model born out of a desire to carry the concepts of IFS into a relational setting and to use the intimate relationship itself as a vehicle for growth and healing of the individual, as well as the couple. This work assumes that each us has access to an inward spiritual presence that supports the notion that human beings are resilient and have inner resources of self -love and self-regulation. It is a non-pathologizing approach that helps people make sense of their life experience in a safe and collaborative way. In IFIO therapy, each member of the couple is invited into a process, which leads to a self-compassionate, and secure relationship with him or herself. This then makes it possible to stay connected with oneself and one’s partner even in times of stress and relational rupture. Inviting the exploration of each partner’s individual’s inner life supports couples in envisioning a lively dance that includes: Communicating well; Repairing inevitable rupture; Making room for the needs of both individuals, as well as the relationship; and Exploring authentic heartfelt connection.” (Toni Herbine–Blank)

With the Gottman Institute Couples Therapy, we can do a detailed Couples Checkup questionnaire which you both fill in and shows areas of connection and areas we can work on. We then work with proven strategies and informational content that you and your partner can work through together to make a ‘Sound Relationship House’ for you both

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I also draw on my UKCP psychotherapy training which is grounded in compassion and attunement, and draws also from Transactional Analysis, Gestalt and person-centred approaches, all of whom see people being born ‘OK'.  I work with phenomenology which is about how our bodies give us clues about what might be going on for us unconsciously and also look at the way we create life scripts and communicate with each other in ways that work… and ways that don't. I also draw from Relational, Attachment and Developmental theories which focus on the way we interact with people and how life experiences (often from a very young age) can influence us outside our awareness.

Come along and see how you like our time together. IFS is unlike any other therapy I’ve experienced. It seems to go deep quickly but unlike the usual therapeutic relationship I am really there as a facilitator and friendly guide. You have all the answers already inside, its just a matter of learning to trust your Self and to respectfully encourage all your parts to work with you, in harmony. A bit like a conductor of an orchestra, we have it that you, your ‘Self’ is greater than the sum of your parts, you are unbroken but maybe just clouded by some parts that are protecting you.

Each therapy session lasts for an hour though sometimes I might ask for us to go over a little. Couples therapy sessions are an hour and a.half to give us lots of space. After our initial meeting session, we would normally agree to meet on a weekly basis for 6 sessions and then review progress on a rolling basis, however this might not work for you, in which case we decide together what works best. I work both short and long term

The content of our sessions is confidential to you and me. I work with several supervisors who focus on my work with you, to give you a better experience. I am also a member of several peer support groups. In all of these the work focuses on how I can best support you, with no identifying details.

I occasionally write in journals or speak at conferences about my work, and write social media posts where identifying details are changed. I will make sure I have your permission to do this.

There are also exceptional circumstances where there is a risk to yourself or to others when I might break confidentiality, but even in this situation, I would try to involve you in any decision to breach confidentiality.

I receive regular clinical supervision from a senior UKCP clinical supervisor who is responsible for assessing my competence and reviewing my professional practice. I see an IFS supervisor who is also UKCP trained frequently to keep my Self energy flowing and providing the most compassionate and curious service to you! I undertake monthly group supervision with an IFS lead trainer based in the USA. For my couples work I have revision, practice and supervision sessions with trainers and peers.

I like to think of all of this as double/triple support for you.

The therapy room is on the ground floor accessed by two steps (and the bathroom is one floor up 2nd floor).

I abide by the Code of Ethics in Professional Practice of the Welsh Psychotherapy Institute, which is consistent with the standards set by the United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy.