If you keep finding yourself stuck in the same patterns of anxiety, overwhelm and self-criticism, you’re not alone.
Psychotherapy
in Bristol
If you keep finding yourself stuck in the same patterns of anxiety, overwhelm and self-criticism, you’re not alone.
You might be struggling with anxiety, low mood, the impact of trauma, or difficulties in relationships. You may have tried to work things through on your own, or even had therapy before, but still feel that something deeper hasn’t quite been reached.I offer a warm, attentive, and deeply focused form of psychotherapy that helps get to the roots of emotional suffering, rather than just managing symptoms. Together, we work carefully and at your pace to understand what’s happening beneath the surface, so that real and lasting change becomes possible.Get in touch to arrange a commitment-free initial session.Who I Work With
I work with adults and young people who want to understand themselves more fully and feel less driven by anxiety, self-criticism, or emotional overwhelm.Many people I work with:Notice repeating patterns in relationships or at workStruggle with anxiety, panic, or a constant sense of pressureFeel disconnected from themselves or othersFeel emotionally stuck despite insight or previous therapyWant meaningful change, not just coping strategies
You don’t need to have the “right words” or a clear idea of what’s wrong. Part of the work is discovering this together.My approach: Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP)
Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP) is a well-researched therapy that is not just about understanding problems, but about learning to respond differently in the moment.
Our difficulties often begin in past experiences, but they can only be worked through in the present. ISTDP focuses on what is happening right now, in the therapy room. By gently noticing your feelings and reactions, we can begin to see patterns that may be causing the difficulties you are facing. These may once have helped you to cope, but now might be causing distress or holding you back.As we work together, people often notice:A stronger sense of self and self-worthLess anxiety and emotional overwhelmIncreased self confidence and trust in their own feelingsMore choice in how they respond to themselves and othersclearer boundaries and an improved ability to assert their needsDeeper, more secure relationships
Making deep and lasting changes can sometimes feel intense. My training and experience allow me to pay careful and precise attention to anxiety and difficult emotions, so we work at a pace that feels safe and manageable. The work is trauma-informed and also draws on ideas from Internal Family Systems (IFS) to help you feel fully supported throughout the process.
Why Work With Me?
I am an experienced ISTDP therapist and a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).I have been practicing as a psychotherapist since 2016 and now work exclusively with ISTDP. Alongside my clinical work, I also supervise other therapists and deliver training to other professionals. This level of expertise means I am able to work very deeply while staying closely attuned to you. I am particularly mindful of pacing, emotional safety, and helping people who may have felt overwhelmed, misunderstood, or disappointed in previous therapy.I receive regular specialist supervision and have trained extensively with leading figures in ISTDP, including Dr Alan Abbass, Dr Patricia Coughlin, and Dr Robert Neborsky. I am currently supervised by Dr Leo Russell.Before specialising in ISTDP, I trained in integrative, person-centred, and psychodynamic approaches, and have many years’ experience working in a range of settings including drug and alcohol services, domestic abuse support, learning disabilities, and work with children and families.Inclusivity and Values
I am committed to offering an inclusive and affirming practice. I welcome people of all ethnicities, ages, classes, gender identities, sexual orientations, relationship structures, and religious backgrounds.Alongside therapy, I hold a strong interest in nature, play, and our relationship with the natural world, which also informs how I think about wellbeing and development across the lifespan.
Next Steps
I offer individual psychotherapy for adults and teenagers, either on a brief or longer-term basis, and I always offer a free introductory call, which can lead to a commitment-free initial session.After you get in touch, we’ll arrange our short phone call to see whether working together feels like a good fit and to discuss booking an initial session.In the first session, we’ll explore what has brought you to therapy and begin to understand the difficulties you’re facing. From there, we can decide together whether to continue and what format would best support you.My Fee
I charge £100 per hour and work in 60 – 90 minute sessions.I also offer blocks of multiple sessions over one or two days to clients travelling from further away. Why is my fee higher than other therapists?
My ISTDP work is a highly specialized, active, and dynamic approach. Unlike other therapies that can take years to achieve small shifts, my ISTDP training allows us to make deep, lasting changes in fewer sessions. Working with me you can get to the heart of what's holding you back quickly, whilst working at a pace that also feels safe and manageable.
In sessions, you experience a precise, focused, and caring approach that works with what’s happening in the moment to create real change. I also commit extra time outside of sessions to reflection, video review, supervision, and ongoing professional development, ensuring you get the most from our work together.
This combination of expertise, focus, and ongoing care makes it possible to achieve meaningful, lasting change in less time, often delivering better value for money over the long term.Beginning therapy is a courageous step, especially if you’ve been carrying things on your own for a long time.Please get in touch using the form below if you’d like to book an initial session, or ask any questions. We can take things one step at a time.
