Core Process Pyschotherapy
I offer Core Process Psychotherapy, which is a mindfulness-based, embodied and relational approach to psychotherapy. Grounded in Western Psychology and Buddhist understanding there is focused awareness on wholeness of mind, body and feelings with an emphasis on connecting more deeply to ourselves, each other and life itself.
The therapeutic relationship is intended to offer you a unique opportunity to be seen, heard and responded to, consciously, mindfully bringing the warmth and kindness of awareness to the whole of your experience, as you are experiencing it in the present moment. It is a ‘joint relational process' which means it relies on us coming together to understand your present experience, the challenges you are faced with, and what may be helpful, resourcing and supportive. ​
​
Suffering belongs to all of us. You may find yourself here feeling anxious, stuck, overwhelmed, alone, empty, full, fearful, rageful, lost, confused, isolated, ashamed, not enough, too much. You may be experiencing dullness, numbness, grief, longing, difficulty in relationship, loss of meaning or feelings of loneliness ... All of you is welcome here.
​
Simply being alive brings us face to face with some gritty questions; What really matters to you, what bothers you deeply, what makes your heart sing, what do you trust, what can you open to that gives and sustains life, how do we live more in alignment with what really matters?​​​
​​
Deepening our connections, remembering our true nature, intrinsic knowing and intrinsic health can help clarify what feels important, our needs, desires and potentials, and can help gather courage and confidence to face life's circumstances. Developing a better understanding of the causes of our suffering can allow a new sense of spaciousness, and inform our actions, expanding our ability to choose how we skilfully respond.
​
We can reflect on the Buddha's teachings, the Four Noble Truths. They are: The Noble Truth of Suffering, The Noble Truth of the Origin of Suffering, The Noble Truth of the Cessation of Suffering, and the Noble Truth of the Way Leading to the Cessation of Suffering. [Digha Nikaya, Sutta 16]
​
​The three aspects of the First Noble Truth are, 'There is Suffering'; 'Suffering should be understood'; and, 'Suffering has been understood', as it applies to everything that you can possibly experience or do or think concerning the past, the present or the future.
​
We can look at the word 'understanding' as 'standing under'. It is a common enough word but, in Pali, 'understanding' means to really accept the suffering, stand under or embrace it rather than react to it or getting rid of it, turning away or shutting down. With understanding we can really look at suffering; really accept it, really hold and embrace it. When you have practiced with suffering - looking at it, accepting it, knowing it and letting it be the way it is - then there is the third aspect, 'Suffering has been understood'.​
​
"Letting go gives us freedom, and freedom is the only condition for happiness. If, in our heart, we still cling to anything - anger, anxiety, or possessions - we cannot be free". – Thich Nhat Hahn
“Your task is not to seek for love, but merely to seek and find all the obstacles within yourself that you have built against it”.​ – Rumi
Being Together
I can be with you, offering a welcoming and compassionate space to open to truth of how things are. I invite you to bring all of yourself as you are, wherever you are at, with whatever you are feeling and are faced with in your life at this present time. Through slowing down and ground ourselves, with the warmth of gentle self-awareness, we can recognise, embrace and look deeply at emotions, the pain and anguish, to understand the deepest nature of what you are experiencing. The therapeutic relationship is a vital component of the healing process, fostering trust and connection. Trusting our experience as it is, and being curious about habit energies that arise and the patterns and shapes we habitually take, can open us up to new possibilities, unfolding, illuminating and transforming suffering and unease. Therapy can offer an opportunity to experience a deeper sense of wellbeing, and re-discover your connection to what helps you feel safe and nourished, vibrant and experience greater authenticity and ease.
"If I am what I am because you are what you are, and you are what you are because I am what I am, then I am not I and you are not you". – Hillel
What I Offer
Our therapeutic journey begins with careful attention to creating a consistent and containing framework, within which awakened understanding and growth can naturally unfurl. It is important to find a therapist with whom you feel comfortable and at ease. I offer a complementary introductory meeting of up to 30 minutes, where we can explore a little of what brought you to therapy and how it feels to be together. If we decide to proceed then I recommend that we commit to a set of six sessions and then have a review before deciding next steps.​
​
I work from Kintsugi in Kensal Rise, North West London, NW10. The nearest stations are Kensal Rise Overground and Queens Park Underground (Bakerloo Line). I invite you to a weekly, one hour session and offer both in-person and online sessions via Zoom.
​
My fee structure is intended to support your therapeutic process and be as inclusive as possible. As a UKCP Trainee Psychotherapist I offer clients a reduced rate of £60 per session. At times I can offer concessionary places for those who would not otherwise be able to access therapy. Please contact me if you want to explore this option.
​​
Confidentiality: Our sessions are confidential with the exception of matters concerning safety and professional requirements and I would discuss these with you. All my work is supervised according to professional and ethical requirements. This means I discuss my work with a registered supervisor, and supervisory colleagues, which is standard practice for all psychotherapists. In this process your identity is protected.
Any information such as your personal details will be stored securely in accordance with the requirements stipulated by GDPR legislation.