Talking Helps

16/05/2026

ADHD Counselling

People with ADHD can benefit from psychodynamic counselling because it explores not only symptoms, but also the emotional and relational experiences that shape a person’s life. While ADHD is commonly associated with difficulties in attention, impulsivity, and organisation, many individuals also experience frustration, low self-esteem, anxiety, or relationship challenges. This therapeutic approach offers an opportunity to understand how these experiences may connect to deeper emotional patterns and past relationships.

A key benefit of counselling is that it provides space to explore the emotional impact of living with ADHD. Many people grow up receiving criticism for being “lazy,” “careless,” or “too much,” which can significantly affect confidence and self-image. Therapy can help uncover how these messages may have been internalised and how they continue to influence emotions, behaviour, and relationships.

Counselling may also help people recognise recurring patterns in how they relate to others. For example, someone with ADHD may struggle with rejection sensitivity, emotional regulation, or misunderstandings in friendships and family relationships. By exploring these experiences within a supportive therapeutic relationship, clients can gain greater self-awareness and develop healthier ways of responding.

Another strength of therapy is its focus on understanding unconscious processes. People with ADHD sometimes develop coping strategies, such as avoidance, perfectionism, or emotional withdrawal that may have originally developed as protection from shame or disappointment but can later create challenges in everyday life. Exploring these patterns can help individuals better understand themselves and make more intentional choices.

Although therapy does not directly target ADHD symptoms in the same structured way as behavioural interventions, it can work alongside approaches such as medication and coaching. For many people, it offers a deeper understanding of emotional wellbeing, identity, and relationships, helping them feel more understood and better equipped to manage the challenges associated with ADHD.

10/05/2026

What to Expect in Your First Counselling Session?

From a psychodynamic counselling perspective, your first session is less about “getting everything sorted” and more about beginning a process of understanding you and your thoughts, feelings, and the experiences that have shaped the way you relate to yourself and others.

It’s completely normal to feel uncertain, nervous, or even unsure of what to say. Many people worry they won’t “do it right,” but there is no right way to begin. The first session is simply a space for you to arrive as you are.

Typically, we start by talking through what has brought you to counselling. This might be something specific, such as anxiety, low mood, relationship difficulties, or a general sense that something doesn’t feel quite right. You don’t need to have everything clearly articulated. Part of the work is helping you find language for experiences that may feel confusing or hard to define.

In psychodynamic counselling, we also begin to gently explore patterns in your life. This might include relationships, past experiences, or recurring emotional themes. At this stage, there is no pressure to go deeply into anything before you feel ready. The pace is guided by you. I want you to feel safe. I understand that trust comes from experience and isn’t a given.

You may also notice that I will ask open questions or reflects back what I hear. This is not to analyse you in a clinical or distant way, but to help us both begin to notice patterns, feelings, and meanings that might not be immediately obvious.

Part of the first session will usually involve practicalities as well—confidentiality, boundaries, session structure, and how we will work together going forward. These elements are important because they create a consistent and secure space for the work to develop.

Most importantly, the first session is about the relationship between us. In psychodynamic work, this relationship becomes a key part of the process. It’s important that you feel comfortable within it, and that it feels like a safe enough space to explore your experiences over time.

You don’t need to prepare anything or present yourself in a particular way. You can bring confusion, silence, emotion, or clarity or whatever is present for you. The first step is simply beginning.

06/05/2026

A great Ted Talk by Brene Brown on the Power of Vulnerability.

The TED Talks channel features the best talks and performances from the TED Conference, where the world's leading thinkers and doers give the talk of their lives in 18 minutes (or less) — plus originals, podcasts and exclusive content. Look for videos on Technology, Entertainment and Design as wel...

22/04/2026

Couples Therapy

Every relationship goes through challenging periods. When things feel strained or disconnected, it can be difficult to find a clear path ahead. My role isn’t to take sides or act as a judge, nor is it to “fix” your relationship. Instead, I provide a supportive environment where both of you can pause, reflect, and truly listen to one another, so you can decide together what feels right for your future.

Many couples I work with care deeply for each other and want to resolve their difficulties. Sometimes one partner may feel more invested in therapy than the other, and that’s completely okay. By encouraging open, respectful communication about your feelings, needs, and expectations, I aim to help you both gain insight and clarity about your relationship.

17/04/2026

What creates a healthy relationship?

One of the most common quandaries I see is whether a relationship is healthy or not. Sometimes, the signs can be subtle. Here's how to start figuring it out.

25/03/2026

Is therapy for you?

You don’t need to be in crisis, depressed, or overwhelmed by anxiety to begin therapy.
Many people come simply because something doesn’t feel quite right, or because they sense there could be more ease, clarity, or meaning in their lives.

You might be carrying a specific worry or difficulty.
Perhaps there’s something you would like to understand, change, or move through.

You may feel as though you don’t quite have a voice in your own life, or that you’re unsure how your past experiences have shaped the way you think, feel, and relate to others.
Sometimes this includes not only major life events such as loss, but also the smaller, repeated experiences over time that can quietly leave a lasting impact.

You might find yourself questioning your relationships.
Do certain patterns keep repeating?
Do you notice yourself reacting in ways that feel familiar but unhelpful or even destructive?

You may live with a sense of unease or dread that’s hard to explain — a feeling that something isn’t quite right, even if you can’t find the words for it.

Perhaps you feel stuck, disconnected, or unsure of who you are becoming.
Or you may simply want a space that is yours — somewhere to think, feel, and speak freely, without judgment.

Therapy can offer a place to slow down and explore these experiences at your own pace.
Together, we can begin to make sense of what’s happening for you, and how your inner and outer worlds connect.

An initial meeting gives us the opportunity to meet, talk about what brings you to therapy, and consider what kind of support might feel right for you.
There is no obligation — just a space to begin.

A safe, confidential, non-judgemental, neutral space to work through difficult feelings, gain insights and help you move forward.

29/12/2025

# therapy can feel daunting, and it’s natural to feel unsure about what to expect. If you’re considering working with a psychotherapist or counsellor, I invite you to contact me to discuss your concerns in confidence.

I am a BACP-registered psychodynamic counsellor with over ten years’ experience. I offer a safe, supportive, and confidential space where you can talk openly about your difficulties and concerns, at your own pace.

I work from my practice in Brockham, offering face-to-face sessions to individuals and couples. I also provide online therapy and work with clients from across the globe.

I have experience supporting people with a wide range of issues, including:
• Feeling anxious, stressed, or overwhelmed
• Feeling sad, depressed, or low in mood
• Relationship difficulties with partners or family members
• Feeling stuck, lost, or lacking direction or purpose in life
• Low confidence and self-esteem
• Loneliness or isolation
• Difficulties at work or in education
• Being troubled by past experiences
• Loss, grief, or bereavement
• Distressing or uncomfortable thoughts and feelings
• Concerns about ageing or life transitions