I am an experienced and accredited psychodynamic psychotherapist, offering sincerity, respect and a commitment to assist you whatever difficulties you are facing. Whether you have previous experience of therapy or are considering this for the first time, therapy provides an opportunity for you to look at things in new ways and to develop alternative ways of thinking, feeling and behaving.
My role as a therapist is to facilitate your healing and growth. This often entails developing a deeper understanding of yourself, gaining insight into your past and present experiences. I believe that our past experiences affect how we experience the present, how we think about the future and how we are in relationship with others. The psychodynamic approach to therapy is anchored in these beliefs.
You will receive my kindness and support throughout that journey, as you explore, understand and change your experience of anything that is causing you difficulty or distress.
I offer therapy in a safe and caring environment, located in Lancaster or delivered via secure online video using Zoom.
Our therapeutic work together starts with meeting for Initial Consultation sessions in which we would explore the reasons or experiences that have led you to contact me, fee levels, how often and when to meet, and how best I can support and assist you. We can discuss this process by phone or via Zoom in advance.
Anything you share with me, from the first phone call through to the last therapy session, is held confidentially and securely.
Whether the difficulties you are facing have been a long-standing part of your life experience or caused by recent circumstances or events, you can contact me to begin our process of working together.
phone/text:07732 048236 email: steve@insightpsychotherapy.co.uk
A relational approach
My approach is centred upon therapeutic relationships built on empathy, honesty and respect. You will encounter a supportive, safe environment in which you feel understood and prepared to make the changes that are right for you.
I believe that you and your circumstances are unique. Mental health labels and diagnoses may be helpful yet often do not provide adequate descriptions of our experiences. I will be alongside you as you explore and work through difficulties or choices, creating between us an environment for growth and empowerment.
I commit to being real, open and engaged as an active participant in the therapeutic work. You may be invited to experience and clarify your emotions, to identify past events or relationships that influence you now, or to consider where you find meaning in your life, but you will remain in control of each session.
How many sessions are needed?
Some find that therapy is helpful within just a few sessions, whilst others attend for much longer. If we agree to meet regularly, we would also agree an initial number of sessions.
Therapeutic goals are an important element of therapy and I will invite you to consider what you hope to change or achieve. I would suggest that we review those goals and reflect on how therapy is working for you after 6-8 sessions.
How long, how often and when?
We would usually meet for sessions of 50-60 minutes, once each week, but we can discuss whether an alternative approach would better suit your needs or circumstances.
Appointment times fall between 8am and 7pm, Monday to Friday.
phone/text:07732 048236 email: steve@insightpsychotherapy.co.uk
Qualifications & Training
I am a qualified psychotherapist, having completed Post-Graduate Diploma and MA in Counselling & Psychotherapy courses at the University of Cumbria in 2018 and 2020.
As a Registered and Accredited Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, I work in accordance with the BACP's Ethical Framework and meet or exceed the professional requirements for my ongoing professional development and supervision.
I attend training events to widen and deepen my knowledge and skills. Recent events have focused on Psychodynamic and Psychoanalytic theory and practice. In the past, I have undertaken further training on somatic approaches to therapy, Attachment Theory, Mentalisation-Based Therapy, Transactional Analysis, Emotion-Focused Therapy, Existential Therapy, Hakomi Therapy, Relational Depth, Online Therapy, Addiction & Substance Misuse and PTSD/Trauma.
Experience
In addition to my work in private practice in Lancaster, I have provided counselling at a GP Surgery in Lancaster, at South Lakeland MIND in Kendal, and with a charity in Edinburgh, working with those whose lives have been affected by drug and alcohol misuse.
In addition to my work in private practice, I teach Counselling and Psychotherapy at the University of Cumbria.
My experience has included working with people who have experienced a wide range of difficulties associated with low moods; anxieties; stress; anger management; physical, emotional or sexual abuse; bereavement; relationship problems; substance misuse and addictions; eating disorders; or other self-harming behaviours.
A range of working environments and experiences outside of work have led me to appreciate the many challenges that life presents and the difficulties that we face whilst striving to grow. I have learnt that relationships based on honesty, respect and trust form the basis for growth and progress in any setting.
phone/text:07732 048236 email: steve@insightpsychotherapy.co.uk
On your first visits, we will meet at the Gatehouse of the White Cross Business Park, shown by the yellow arrow on the photo above.
Parking is available at the location, free of charge, or alternatively at the public car park adjacent to the White Cross Business Park.
phone/text:07732 048236 email: steve@insightpsychotherapy.co.uk
Contact me to arrange a call or an initial meeting:
Privacy
Your privacy is central to everything relating to psychotherapy, starting with this website.
By using this website, some personal information about you may be collected and held. I want to ensure that you know how this is done and why.
The website collects cookies. They are used only for analysis of numbers of people accessing the site. Other information such as your internet IP address and approximate location may be stored when you access my website, though I do not use or share this information.
You may complete the Contact Form on this website. This information is emailed to me and is held securely and confidentially within my website hosting account. It is not shared with anyone without your consent or used for any marketing. It is held only to enable me to contact you, and is deleted within 3 months of being provided. You can email me at any time to ask me to delete any information you have provided.
Further information about privacy, confidentiality and data protection is detailed in a Therapy Agreement that I would ask you to read and sign before starting therapy or is available on request before you provide any information other than your email address.
Please contact me if you have any questions about privacy relating to this website or any aspect of therapy.