What are my aims?

My role is not to judge others but to understand them.  If I have an aim, it is to help my clients become more aware of themselves, their feelings and the choices they make for themselves and in their relationships.  With awareness comes a greater ability to make satisfying choices.

What is your theoretical approach?

My approach is humanistic, which is to say that I believe that we all fundamentally have the potential to live satisfying and fulfilling lives, given the right conditions.  We all experience less than perfect conditions in our lives and have to make adjustments accordingly.  Often we retain these adapted styles beyond when they were needed, perhaps unconsciously believing this is how we need to continue to be.

In therapy we have the opportunity to explore and become aware of these adaptations and, if we wish, develop more flexible and fulfilling lives.

Do I have to talk about my past?

Unlike some approaches to therapy, I do not see analysing early experiences as essential in itself.  However, our early years are crucial in shaping us, and if issues present today have their origins in earlier times, then it may be important to discover what needs to be addressed so that we can live in the present.