Therapies

Individual Therapy

Life can be very difficult sometimes – full of challenges which may seem to big to face alone. Perhaps you feel that nobody is listening to you. Maybe you don’t feel understood. It could even be that you can’t see how your issues could ever be resolved.

We will focus together on the things you would like to work on. I work in a creative and adaptive way, with you as the client as my primary focus at all times.

If you would like to be heard and understood; if you would like to change the aspects of your life which are causing you pain; if you would simply like to talk to someone without fear of judgement or criticism, please get in touch…

​

Couples Therapy

Sometimes our familiar ways of managing challenges in our experience can hinder our capacity to lead fulfilling and contented lives. The work we will do together will help you break the patterns of behaviour which could be causing difficulties and help you to resolve issues in the future.

Couple’s counselling is an intervention that involves the development of a safe and confidential relationship between therapist and client which will help us examine the issues which led you to seek help. In couple’s counselling, your relationship is the client.

My approach

We will firstly spend some time looking at you as a couple: your lifestyle, work, health and experiences. You will both be given equal opportunity to talk about how you see your relationship and what you perceive to be the difficulties for which you would like support.

For some couples, following this initial joint consultation, an individual session for each partner may be appropriate. This is not an opportunity to ‘get your side of the story in’, but rather a chance to reflect on what could be happening for you, how this affects your relationship and what you would like to achieve from the therapy. 

What you can gain

Couples therapy is not a magic cure for a relationship in difficulty. There is no blueprint or ‘cure all’ solution. However, we can work together on your relationship and establish what you would like to achieve. This is not necessarily an attempt to fix something which feels broken. 

Instead, we will examine the dynamics of the relationship – how each partner feels within it and what could be improved or altered in order to strengthen it. We will examine the different stages of all relationships, how they work and what impact there can be if partners are experiencing different stages. Couple’s therapy is about providing a safe and supportive environment within which to explore what is best for both of you and, ultimately the relationship. 

​

Family Therapy

Sometimes our familiar ways of managing challenges in our experience can hinder our capacity to lead fulfilling and contented lives. The work we will do together will help you break the patterns of behaviour which could be causing difficulties in your family and help you to resolve issues in the future.

We will examine the dynamics of the relationships within your family unit – how each person feels within it and what could be improved or altered in order to strengthen it. We will examine the different stages of all relationships, how they work and what impact there can be if family members are experiencing different stages. Family therapy is about providing a safe and supportive environment within which to explore what is best for all of you. It will help you explore what’s going on for each of you, recognise any key issues and help to resolve them in a constructive and positive manner. 

​

Sound Bath Therapy

Sound Healing: A Resonant Remedy for Stress and Anxiety Backed by Recent Research

In the fast-paced, modern world, stress and anxiety have become almost inevitable companions in our daily lives. While various approaches are available to manage these emotional burdens, sound healing is emerging as a powerful, non-invasive, and evidence-based alternative. Recent research suggests that the ancient practice of sound healing can effectively alleviate stress and anxiety, offering a harmonious path towards mental well-being.

The Science of Sound Healing

Sound healing is rooted in the idea that different frequencies and vibrations have the ability to affect our physical and mental well-being. Whether it’s the soothing hum of ocean waves, the comforting resonance of a singing bowl, or the rhythmic beat of a drum, sound can produce a profound impact on our bodies and minds.

Recent scientific investigations have started to shed light on the biological mechanisms behind sound healing. One of the key findings is that sound therapy can help reduce stress and anxiety by modulating the autonomic nervous system (ANS). The ANS is responsible for controlling involuntary bodily functions, such as heart rate, blood pressure, and digestion. When it’s in a state of imbalance due to chronic stress, anxiety, or trauma, it can lead to a range of physical and mental health issues. Sound healing, through the use of specific frequencies and rhythms, has been shown to recalibrate the ANS, promoting relaxation and a sense of well-being.

Recent research has illuminated the profound benefits of sound healing in reducing stress and anxiety. By harnessing the power of sound, we can modulate our autonomic nervous system, entrain our brainwaves, and stimulate our vagus nerve, all of which contribute to a sense of well-being and emotional equilibrium. Whether you choose to join a group sound bath, meditate with binaural beats, or explore personalized sound therapy, sound healing offers a resonant path towards managing the stresses of the modern world. It is a therapeutic modality that bridges the wisdom of ancient traditions with the insights of contemporary science, offering a holistic and harmonious approach to mental wellness.

The Evidence: Recent Research

Several recent studies have demonstrated the positive effects of sound healing on stress and anxiety reduction. Here are some noteworthy findings:

1. A Study on Sound Meditation:
In a 2021 study published in the journal “Psychology of Music,” researchers investigated the effects of sound meditation on stress levels. The study revealed that participants who engaged in sound meditation sessions experienced a significant reduction in cortisol, a hormone associated with stress, as well as self-reported reductions in anxiety levels. The researchers concluded that sound meditation could be a valuable tool in managing stress and anxiety.

2. Brainwave Entrainment:
Recent neuroimaging studies have shown that sound healing can entrain brainwave activity. The human brain operates at various frequencies, including beta, alpha, theta, and delta waves, each associated with different mental states. Sound healing techniques, such as binaural beats and isochronic tones, can synchronize brainwave patterns with external auditory stimuli. This synchronization has been linked to reduced stress and anxiety levels, as well as improved focus and relaxation.

3. Vagus Nerve Stimulation:
The vagus nerve is a key player in the body’s stress response. Recent research has suggested that certain sound frequencies, like those produced by chanting or singing bowls, can stimulate the vagus nerve. This stimulation triggers the release of relaxation-inducing neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine, helping to counteract stress and anxiety.

Practical Applications of Sound Healing

Sound healing can take various forms, from group sound baths and gong therapy to individual sessions with a trained practitioner. Here are some practical ways to incorporate sound healing into your stress and anxiety management routine:

1. **Sound Baths:** Participate in group sound bath sessions where you lie down and immerse yourself in the healing sounds of instruments like singing bowls, gongs, and chimes.

2. **Music and Binaural Beats:** Listen to recorded soundscapes or music designed for relaxation, or use binaural beats applications that can help entrain your brainwaves for anxiety reduction.

3. **Chanting and Singing:** Engage in chanting or singing exercises, either alone or as part of a group, to stimulate the vagus nerve and promote relaxation.

4. **Personalized Sound Therapy:** Consult with a certified sound therapist or practitioner who can tailor sound healing sessions to your specific needs and preferences.