Sometimes life's struggles can become too much, things may seem overwhelming, life unsatisfying and confusing, finding your way out on your own proves difficult, and can lead to more distress and confusion. Maybe your struggling with a traumatic event/s or the root cause of your distress is unclear and that's ok, many individuals don't know. Do words like stuck, anxious, lonely, or depressed fill your thoughts, relationships with yourself and others feel strained? Are you using substances or alcohol to excess? Does your body hold tension or do you suffer with fibromyalgia, IBS, ulcers, fatigue, autoimmune issues, arthritis? This list could go on.... Our emotions cannot be denied, repressed or ignored for long, if not given a voice they will find other ways to manifest themselves. Psychotherapy can help to give this voice, understand and resolve what your facing.
I understand reaching out can be a big decision; I am committed to offering therapy in a safe, confidential environment, meeting you with respect, empathy, and valuing the individual you. A space where we can work together to promote life enhancement, with lasting solutions to what you face, enabling you to experience life and others in the fullest possible way for you.
I hold an MSc in Integrative Psychotherapy and Diploma in Clinical Supervision. I am a full clinical member of the UKCP and graduate member of SPTI. I adhere to all their ethical codes.
Making the decision to see a therapist can be one which takes a lot, and it is normal to feel nervous, it can also be a very positive one. Please read on to find out more about how I could help you.
Therapy is a place where you can become the artist and creator of your life, where storms can pass, breakdowns can lead to breaking through and old wounds are allowed to heal.
We often develop creative ways of being to help regulate uncomfortable emotional states, hiding the unspoken pain, often from ourselves, compensating for needs which have not been met. Whilst a very clever strategy at the time of creation they often become harmful and may manifest as some of the ways described below, although these lists are not exhaustive;
Feelings of Stress or Anxiety, Not Coping
Panic attacks/Phobias
Relationship Issues
Unexplained Physical Symptoms
Addiction
Trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress
Abuse
A Sense Something is Lacking in Life
No Sense of Belonging
Depression, A Sense of Emptiness
Low self-esteem or Confidence
Anger or Rage
Eating Disorders
Loneliness & Isolation
Identity - Who am I?
A Want to Understand Why Do I Do This, Why Does this Impact Me So Much?
Self Harm & Suicidal Ideation
How Can Psychotherapy Help?
"It is a Joy to be Hidden and a Disaster not to be Found" D.W. Winnicotty
At first this quote may seem to make no sense yet I believe it talks to something innate within all of us, a deep truth. Feeling unknown, unseen, sometimes within plain sight can be both painful and comfortable, a clever strategy at one point in time that was found to be effective at taking care of ourselves. Yet just as the child's game of hide and seek goes on there is an ongoing realisation in the disaster of not being found. This disaster can show itself in many ways; addictions, anxiety, depression, psychosomatic symptoms, isolation, eating too much or not enough to name but a few. Working together within the safety of a therapeutic relationship enables this disaster to be halted, for you to know your story, the why do I? why does this happen to me? why do I feel/think this way? inclusive of all the chapters, no longer hidden, but connected to yourself and others.
Couples Therapy
Do you notice negative cycles in your relationship? Patterns of miscommunication, maybe blame, withdrawal. Does this lead to a place of anxiety, worry, further conflict and uncertainty?
Alongside an MSc in Integrative Psychotherapy I have also had the privilege of training alongside experts in the field of couples therapy. I integrate all of this knowledge, including cutting edge research around neuroscience, developmental and attachment theory which all dictate how we can relate to one another. Often struggles in relationships connect back to our earliest relational experiences and the meaning these hold for you.
I'll work with you to create and develop the supportive and close relationship you both want and need.
I believe with your desire and the right guidance you can rebuild your relationship.
Issues we can resolve together include;
Poor Communication
Infidelity
Repetitive Arguments
Sexual Issues
Loss of Emotional Connection
Conflict and Disagreements
Family Issues
Dealing with loss and illness
Couples can also access therapy to consider if their relationship is to continue, and, if not how to uncouple in a conscious and healthy way. Painful, destructive endings are often taken forward within both individuals and impact future well being and relationships.
These are just some examples, this list is not exhaustive.
Relationships play a core role in our well being, and can bring us unbearable pain; both the relationship with ourselves and others. Do you notice repeating relational patterns? Do your relationships leave you feeling unsatisfied or confused inside. Maybe you notice patterns of withdrawal, feeling frozen or chaotic, anxiety, anger, fear of rejection, frustration. Maybe the relationship with yourself feels disconnected and your left with a lingering sense of who am I, or your trying your best to cope in a world that doesn't make much sense and some of these coping strategies have become unhealthy. Together we can explore and try out new ways of relating which are fulfilling, bringing you resilience, meaning and connection, a place where you can flourish.
Working together I can help you gain greater insight into the difficulties you are facing, help you understand why you act or react to them the way you do, and see how you can start to make better, heathier choices moving forward. Together we can know the root cause of what your experiencing and facing. Rather than a quick fix solution, so often sought after, yet not with the desired results, psychotherapy does not confess to offer a magic wand. Rather a place where we can untangle your experiences and what you face; a place where wounds can heal. The emotional pain from the past no longer alive in the present day choices and experiencing, facilitating long lasting change. Entering therapy is not a decision to be taken lightly and one that requires commitment and participation from both client and therapist alike. An initial meeting together will give the opportunity to see if this is the right way forward for you.
My Approach
I believe in the uniqueness of human personality and experiences, not in a 'one size fits all' approach.
I draw from my varied experience and a blend of theories, allowing me to work with a therapy unique to the individual you. I integrate object relations, psychoanalytic self-psychology, neuroscience and aspects of humanistic psychology along with somatic experiencing, the integrating of the bodies story. The mind and body must be connected for full health and connection to both self and others, distressing physical symptoms may be related to trauma held in the body or repressed, avoided or denied emotions. Working with embodied physiological symptoms can be essential for moving towards health and healing old wounds. Our bodies often communicate an unknown part of our story.
I believe relationships, both current and historical play a key role in our well being. The relationship between you and I is an important one, that we fit and you feel comfortable working with me. Because of this I offer a free initial phone call which would last around 15 minutes to enable you to discuss with me what you feel comfortable to, and get a sense of me before an initial meeting is booked.
Qualifications & Further Training
Msc Integrative Psychotherapy from Sherwood Psychotherapy Training Institute & Stafford University. This took four years of in-depth study, clinical work and research, with all clinical work and research gaining distinctions. UKCP & BACP accredited.
PG Diploma Integrative Psychotherapy from Sherwood Psychotherapy Training Institute & Stafford University. UKCP & BACP accredited.
Diploma in Clinical Supervision - UKCP Reg Supervisor
Full Clinical Training - Couples Therapy - The Couples Institute - Dr's Bader & Pearson
Further Training -
Certificate in Body Psychotherapy - Dr David Tune
Working with Complex Trauma, PTSD & Dissociation - Kathy Steele
Healing the Fragmented Selves of Trauma Survivors - Janina Fisher
Shame, Obsession & Habitual Worrying - Richard Erskine
Affect Confusion, Cumulative Trauma and Attachment Disruption; Psychotherapy for Borderline Disorders - Richard Erskine
A Masterclass - Psychotherapy of the Schizoid Process - Richard Erskine
Full Clinical Training in Couples Therapy - Dr's Bader & Pearson
I am a member of an International Supervision & Process Group with Richard Erskine
Re-Decision Therapy - Ian Stewart
Beyond Symptom; an Exploration of Addiction, Dependency & Connection - UKCP
Working with Boarding School Survivors - Karen Macmillan.
Area of Specialist Interest
I have a specialist interest in long standing complex issues, anxiety, depression, paranoia, self-harm, suicidal ideation, isolation and early relational trauma.
How much does it cost?
£60 per session for individuals, £70 for couples.
Supervision £60.
How long do sessions last and how many will I need?
Sessions last for 50 minutes. The number will be unique to each individual, dependent upon the complexity of what you face and the solutions you seek. Supervision sessions last for 60 minutes.
How often do we meet?
Regularity and continuity are important in our work together, as they give structure and a reliability to the therapy process. We will agree on a day and a time that suits you and then this will be set aside for you on a weekly basis. Sometimes I see individuals more often if required.
I require at least 48 hours notice for cancellation or the full fee is payable.
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions about how psychotherapy works, or to arrange an initial appointment. You can also call me on 07547 605004 if you would prefer to leave a message or speak to me first. Please be assured no one has access to my phone or the messages left on it.
I will always aim to return any messages as soon as possible, on week days within 24 hours.
©2024 Amy McMahon
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