As a psychotherapist I attend my own personal therapy and have done for many years. I know what the experience is like! At the start I found weekly therapy a terrifying prospect. Even though I’m highly educated and am open to talking, the mystique that hung over ‘therapy’ meant I had little understanding of what it really was like. I understand that it’s quite natural to find it daunting.
The Why
The fact that you are reading this means you are thinking of starting therapy (or you are another therapist judging how good or bad my website is).
Perhaps people have mentioned that it would be good to talk to someone, or you are feeling like there is something not quite right and you want to explore it some more.
So why would sitting opposite and talking to a stranger for 50 minutes a week help? What’s wrong with just talking to my friends, partner, family or cat/dog/goldfish? What makes this work? Why is this different?
Talking to trusted friends or family can be great, please don't stop! However, they are not trained, may not be able to recognise or allow you to say what needs to be said. It can be difficult to be totally honest with people who are close to you and love you. You might worry that you would upset them or feel ashamed of what’s on your mind or the things you have done.
I am trained to allow you the space to voice your thoughts and not be fazed by it. I am not easily shocked and I will allow you to explore how you really think and feel and be totally honest with that.
I don’t do therapy by numbers or have a fixed agenda. As an integrative therapist, (trained to a doctoral standard).
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I am trained in the major traditions of therapy – psychodynamic, CBT, humanistic and existential. I have a way of working that takes elements of these and draw on them to help meet your individual needs rather than impose a fixed way of working.
I do this to create the right environment that responds to your needs. In that way we can reflect on what’s happening, why it is happening and assess all your options.
I believe that therapy can be life changing and finding the right therapist, can revolutionise your world. Therapy works. I hope I can be the right professional for you.
The How
To create this, I am guided by my values. That mean that when coming to see me you can expect:
- Anonymity – what is said in the room, stays in the room
- Dedication - regular weekly session in a calm, relaxed and private space
- Nonjudgement and culturally aware exploration of your situation
- Jargon free sessions - I am dedicated to making therapy work for you.
- Short term - for work on a specific problem like overthinking, career development etc)
- Long-term work - examining the roots of issues like depression, anxiety and destructive relationships
- Active listening - I will hear your story
- Professional - I work to the highest ethical standards laid out by the BACP - click this link for more info
- Kind - kindness I think is perhaps one of the most underrated human traits and essential in the way I work
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I don’t fix people (because I don’t think they need fixing) and I will not give you advice. What I will do is give you space to understand and explore why things are difficult and help you change unhelpful patterns of behaviour. I can’t promise lots of fun, therapy can be upsetting, difficult and hard work, but I believe it is rewarding and life changing.
I will be by your side when you are going through difficult times, provide my expertise, and together find a way through. I will help you develop courage, wisdom and compassion and empower you to become the best version of you that you can be.
When (and where)
I believe that therapy works best when as a regular session. Most typical is weekly, though some people come twice a week. Sometimes, due to work or family pressure I see people every fortnight.
Normally I see people in person but am happy with online work. Sometimes it a hybrid set up. Both have their positives and negatives. I have times through-out the day and in the evening. I offer 50 minute sessions for individuals an hour for couples.
I am conveniently situated in Blackfriars, Central London, with excellent tube, bus and national rail links.
Get in touch
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions about how therapy works, or to arrange an initial assessment appointment. This enables us to discuss the reasons you are thinking of coming to therapy, whether it could be helpful for you and whether I am the right therapist to help.
You can also call me on +44 7432215025 if you would prefer to leave a message or speak to me first. I am happy to discuss any queries or questions you may have prior to arranging an initial appointment.
All enquires are usually answered within 24 hours, and all contact is strictly confidential and uses secure phone and email services.
©Alastair Coomes
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