I offer attachment-based psychotherapy within a relational psychoanalytic model. This is a therapeutic approach that integrates attachment theory with psychoanalytic principles to help clients improve the quality of their relationships and their life. Key to its effectiveness is the way it allows an understanding to emerge of how early attachment relationships have shaped current emotional and relational patterns and repetitions, and how unconscious processes and conflicts influence present behaviour.

Drawing on the relational psychoanalytic tradition, I believe that the ‘secure base’ of a safe, positive and collaborative relationship between client and therapist creates the conditions in which meaningful healing, change and personal development can take place. The therapeutic relationship can be understood as a microcosm for understanding the way you relate, and can be used as a kind of ‘sand tray’ in which you can risk trying a different, more secure relational dynamic as well as develop greater emotional regulation.

While attachment-based psychotherapy is classed as a talking therapy, attachment is increasingly understood as a neurobiological system. For this reason, I bring an awareness of the body, and the way it mediates and regulates our emotions, into treatment.

I believe that the emotional wellbeing of the individual cannot be separated from wider social, political and economic realities. As such, I acknowledge the impact of systemic oppression within my practice and I invite the exploration of power and privilege both within my clients’ lives and the therapy relationship, mindful of my own position as a white woman. I am committed to addressing issues of prejudice and discrimination in relation to political beliefs, gender identity, sexual preference, disability, partnership status, race, nationality, ethnic origin, heritage identity, religious or spiritual identity, age and socio-economic class.