How I work
Whether our sessions take place via the telephone, online or in person at my therapy room we can build a trusting and respectful therapeutic relationship where there is no judgement on what you bring.
Whatever struggles you face, together we can find a path that feels the right fit for you.
We go at your pace whether that is a single session, short-term (6 sessions) or longer-term work. I will utilise my understanding of different therapeutic approaches to find the best path for each you.
I utilise different therapeutic approaches specifically tailored to you such as Psychodynamic Theory, Attachment Theory, EMDR, REBT or Couples Counselling.
Psychodynamic Theory
Psychodynamic therapy is a form of psychological treatment based on the principles of psychodynamic theory, which is rooted in the work of Sigmund Freud and his successors.
It focuses on exploring the unconscious mind, early life experiences, and the impact of emotions on behaviour to help individuals gain insight into their thoughts, feelings, and relationships. A strong emphasis is placed on the impact of early relationships, particularly with primary caregivers, and how these experiences shape one’s personality, self-image, and patterns in adult relationships. The therapy process may uncover unconscious defences individuals use to avoid confronting painful thoughts or feelings and recognising and addressing these resistances is a crucial part of therapy.
The goal of psychodynamic therapy is to help individuals gain insight into unconscious conflicts and motivations, leading to increased self-awareness, better emotional regulation, and healthier relationships. Psychodynamic therapy can be applied to a variety of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, personality disorders, and relationship problems. It helps individuals understand the root causes of their struggles and develop healthier coping strategies.
Attachment Theory
Attachment theory is a psychological framework originally developed to understand the dynamics of long-term relationships, particularly between children and their caregivers.
Beginning with the work of British psychologist John Bowlby in the mid-20th century, the theory emphasises the importance of early emotional bonds in shaping individuals’ social, emotional, and cognitive development.
Children develop internal working models based on their experiences with their caregivers and these models influence how they perceive themselves, relationships, and the world so impacting their future interactions and emotional health. The attachment style developed in childhood can affect interpersonal relationships throughout life and influence patterns in romantic relationships, friendships, and parenting styles.
EMDR
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a psychotherapeutic approach designed to help individuals process and recover from traumatic experiences and distressing memories.
EMDR has been shown to be effective in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in war veterans and refugees and is increasingly used for various conditions, such as anxiety, depression, and phobias. Research supports its efficacy, and it is recognised by organisations like the NHS and World Health Organisation as treatment for trauma.
EMDR therapy provides a structured approach to help individuals process traumatic experiences, leading to emotional healing and improved psychological well-being.
REBT
Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT) is a type of cognitive behavioural therapy which focuses on identifying and changing irrational or negative thought patterns that lead to emotional distress and unhealthy behaviours.
It's an action-oriented approach, meaning it emphasises taking steps to challenge and replace these thought patterns with more rational and positive ones.
REBT can be used to treat a variety of issues, including anxiety and the problematic thought and behaviour patterns present in phobias and OCD. REBT works by identifying irrational beliefs and challenging them so we may develop new rational beliefs and put new behaviours into practice.
Couples Counselling
Couples therapy is a space to hit pause, take stock, and figure things out – together. It’s not about who’s right or wrong but about understanding each other better and finding new ways to connect and communicate.
Whether you’re navigating conflict, life changes, or strengthening your relationship, couples therapy helps you rebuild, reconnect, and create a partnership that works for both of you.
The approach is both personal and bespoke to each couple’s needs. Relationship therapy aims to help couples focus on a practical and positive way forward.
The therapy is based on the Gottman Method of Couples Therapy where right from the very first session, couples are helped to focus on establishing the needs of the relationship and without portioning blame, why difficulties are present we set about working together to rebuild those areas without any form of conflict.
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©Julia Jakeman
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