My Approach to Therapy...
...combines my formal training, rooted in the psychodynamic tradition, with a down to earth relational sensitivity attuned to what emerges in the space between us, during the here and now of each session. In some respects it’s no different to any other human relationship, but there is a caveat; the focus is on you. And so I see my role being to create a space that can help you explore what’s happening for you.
For me the therapeutic process allows for curiosity about the Self. It’s a collaborative journey where counsellor and client explore together; with curiosity, compassion, and honesty. When it works it becomes a reparative act—making oneself ready to live fully and authentically again–through getting to know yourself and understanding the unconscious patterns of behaviour that shape who you are. Within the boundaried therapeutic relationship, these hidden patterns emerge into awareness, often manifesting between counsellor and client. This is where transformation begins. While bringing awareness is the groundwork, the deeper work lies in actually changing these patterns—this can be a challenging but richly rewarding process for natural growth and healthy relationships.
My guiding metaphor is that of exploration, and I engage in this process through holding space either indoors within a comfortable room at Newton Place, G3, or outdoors (walking or sitting under tarp) at Pollok Park, G43. I also work through a variety of group-work, non-ordinary state integration and local community building.
Openness, curiosity and an overarching faith in our ability to delve deep and gain awareness through this process are the attributes and energy I bring into the relational space between us, where a co-created working alliance, built on trust, can help you gain greater awareness of your inner world and integrate the life events that have shaped who you are.
I welcome people of all genders, and I also provide in-depth preparation and integration support for people who are independently exploring psychedelics as a means for psychological and spiritual healing and growth. This is based on my own experience and relationship with entheogens, cultivated over two decades (note: I do not facilitate any therapeutic use of psychedelics).
