My Therapy Approach

A gentle, collaborative approach that honors your unique journey and empowers lasting change

"I believe that you are the expert of your own life. My role is to walk alongside you, offering support, insights, and tools to help you discover your own path to healing and growth."

— Carolyn Stevenson

Therapeutic Modalities

I draw from several evidence-based approaches, tailoring my method to your specific needs and preferences

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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT helps identify and change unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors. It’s particularly effective for anxiety, depression, and stress management.

Best for:

  • Anxiety and panic disorders
  • Depression and mood difficulties
  • Stress and overwhelm
  • Specific phobias

Person-Centered Therapy

This approach emphasizes your inherent capacity for growth and self-understanding in a supportive, non-judgmental environment.

Best for:

  • Self-esteem and confidence issues
  • Identity exploration
  • Relationship difficulties
  • Personal growth and development

EMDR Therapy

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing helps process traumatic memories and reduce their emotional impact.

Best for:

  • Trauma and PTSD
  • Disturbing memories
  • Anxiety and panic attacks
  • Grief and loss

Psychodynamic Therapy

Explores how past experiences influence current patterns, helping you gain deeper self-awareness and understanding.

Best for:

  • Recurring relationship patterns
  • Childhood trauma processing
  • Deep emotional exploration
  • Long-term personal growth

What to Expect in Your First Session

1

Welcome & Comfort

We'll start with a warm welcome and time to settle in. I'll explain the process and answer any questions you might have.

2

Your Story

You'll have space to share what brought you here, at your own pace and comfort level. There's no pressure to reveal everything immediately.

3

Goals & Hopes

We'll explore what you hope to achieve through therapy and discuss how we might work together toward those goals.

4

Next Steps

We'll discuss practical matters like session frequency and decide together if we feel like a good fit for working together.

Common First Session Questions

This varies greatly depending on your goals and circumstances. Some people find benefit in just a few sessions, while others prefer longer-term work. We’ll regularly review your progress together.

This is completely normal! I’ll gently guide our conversation and help you explore what feels most important or pressing for you.

Yes, with very limited exceptions for safety. I’ll explain the confidentiality agreement fully in our first session.

Ongoing Session Structure

Each session is 50 minutes and follows a flexible structure that adapts to your needs

Check-In (5–10 mins)

How are you feeling today? What's been on your mind since our last session? Any immediate concerns or updates.

Exploration (30–35 mins)

The main work of the session — exploring feelings, patterns, challenges, and insights. This is led by what feels most important to you.

Integration (5–10 mins)

Reflecting on insights, discussing any between-session thoughts or exercises, and preparing for the week ahead.

Goals & Outcomes

While everyone’s therapy journey is unique, here are some common goals and positive outcomes my clients experience:

Emotional Regulation

Learning to understand, process, and manage difficult emotions in healthier ways.

Improved Relationships

Developing better communication skills and healthier relationship patterns.

Increased Self-Awareness

Gaining deeper understanding of your thoughts, feelings, and behavioural patterns.

What Success Looks Like

  • Feeling more confident in handling life's challenges
  • Reduced anxiety, depression, or other symptoms
  • Better work-life balance and stress management
  • Improved self-compassion and self-acceptance
  • Greater clarity about life direction and values
  • Enhanced ability to form meaningful connections

"Success in therapy isn't about becoming a different person - it's about becoming more fully yourself."

Boundaries & Confidentiality

Creating a safe, professional therapeutic space with clear guideline

Confidentiality

Best for:

  • Everything you share in sessions
  • The fact that you’re in therapy
  • Session notes and records
  • Your personal information

Limited Exceptions:

  • Risk of serious harm to yourself or others
  • Court-ordered disclosure
  • Child protection concerns

Professional Boundaries

Session Framework:

  • 50-minute sessions at agreed times
  • Professional therapeutic relationship
  • Clear cancellation policies
  • Structured payment arrangements

Between Sessions:

  • Brief check-ins for urgent concerns
  • No social media connections
  • Professional email communication only

Common Issues I Help With

Every person’s experience is unique, but these are some of the areas where I have particular expertise

Anxiety & Worry

Generalized anxiety, social anxiety, panic attacks, and overwhelming worry.

Depression & Low Mood

Persistent sadness, loss of interest, and feelings of hopelessness.

Life Transitions

Career changes, relationship shifts, loss, and major life adjustments.

Relationship Issues

Communication problems, boundary setting, and relationship patterns.

Trauma & PTSD

Processing difficult experiences and reducing trauma symptoms.

Self-Esteem Issues

Building confidence, self-worth, and positive self-image.

Ready to Begin Your Journey?

I offer a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation to discuss your needs and see if my approach feels right for you. No pressure, just an opportunity to connect.

Book Free Consultation
Call: 020 7123 4567