Areas of Expertise
EMDR
EMDR, which stands for Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprogramming, is a WHO recommended form of psychotherapy for the treatment of trauma, particularly PTSD. It can also be used for anxiety, addictions, phobias, and even unwanted behaviour like over-eating. It utilises bilateral stimulation (meaning both brain hemispheres are stimulated during the therapeutic process) either through guided eye movements or, increasingly, with tactile or even acoustic stimulation.
Somatic Experiencing
Somatic Experiencing is another form of therapy aimed at relieving the symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and other mental and physical health problems. The primary aim is to restore the normal functioning of the person's nervous system so as to de-activate their threat response, which is what gives rise to the symptoms of stress and trauma.
Counselling
I also work through the more traditional method of talk therapy. Sometimes we just need someone to speak to - someone who can keep what we say confidential and who won’t judge or criticise us no matter what the issue.
My aim is to create a safe and supportive place for you to be heard, to be seen and most importantly to be taken seriously.
Infant Development & Neurobiology
I am the co-founder of the Seeds of Resilience project which provides community, support and education to new and expectant parents.
Healthy human development occurs in sequential stages and each level requires certain kinds of support and challenges. Understanding when and how to provide such encouragement and stimulation is key not only to raising healthy and happy children, but to helping everyone, young and old alike, to reach their full potential.
Resiliency Training
Resilience is not just the ability to bounce back from hardships and adversity, but to do so feeling stronger and more capable than before. I provide resiliency training to organisations, which furnishes their leaders, managers and teams with the skills to help achieve this.
Resilient people are more flexible and mentally agile, have higher energy and stronger support networks, all of which enables them to consistently perform at their highest level. Effective communication, problem solving and creativity are all byproducts of resilience.
While some lucky people are born more resilient, thankfully for the rest of us it is a skill that can be taught and learned.
My Approach
The fact that there are many different types of therapy can be confusing. However, understanding the way our brain and nervous system develop is the necessary foundation which enables me to tailor the way I work to the individual.
There is a predictable sequence of development that gives rise to who we are and each developmental level requires different kinds of support and challenges. Most of us faced some difficulties growing up, which will have had an impact on the way our personalities developed.
While this is not necessarily bad - it is part of what makes us who we are - helping people to expand their skills and competencies in these areas enables them to grow and mature so that they become more resilient. And it is what allows us to fulfil our potential as individuals and as a species.
In working with people, I combine both a physiological and psychological approach and I adapt the way I work to the needs and preferences of the individual.
Also, for those seeking short term help for specific issues such as traumatic events, phobias, social anxiety, we may be able to work using the EMDR 'protocols', and this can, and often does, produce good results in a short space of time.
Although I have knowledge and expertise, it is always a collaborative endeavour and only works if we are able to come together as two human beings engaged in a process of learning and discovery. This requires a degree of trust, hope and courage on both our parts, though the responsibility for creating that dynamic rests with me.
Ultimately my aim is to help people move through past hurts and traumas so that they can become resilient and lead more happy and fulfilling lives.