If you would like to be added to my waiting list please get in touch.
The world can feel like a dark place. I offer a place where we can explore what is happening and hope to find a way to let the light in.
Therapy requires a mix of ingredients to be successful. I commit to bringing joy, directness, compassion, and stability as we find our way toward the light. Sometimes we need to involve our inner warrior, and other times look after our inner child. Wherever we find ourselves, all are welcome.
My work as a psychotherapist is deeply grounded in four pillars of Buddhist philosophy: kindness, compassion, appreciative joy and equanimity. Whether we are online or face-to-face, I seek to provide a safe and confidential space to support you to explore what you need to explore. I have a specialist interest in sleep issues and chronic pain, as well as all that makes us human.
Stress, sleep and chronic pain
Problems with stress, sleep and chronic pain are common and, sadly, on the rise. Your body’s biological mechanisms pay the price resulting in sleep issues including insomnia, problems with gut health and digestion, fertility issues, and immune dysfunction. The impact of the pandemic has bought a rise in difficulties, and I see many clients with Long Covid.
I take a psychobiological approach to therapy. This is the interconnection between cognition (what we are thinking) and mood (how we are feeling) and how these are fundamentally interconnected to our biology (how the body responds). Working from this perspective is a joined-up holistic approach. Mind and body are not separate and are wholly interconnected with social, environmental and cultural factors. Sleep problems do not occur in isolation, so it is essential to work with the whole person and understand their world, not just the symptom. No one is born prepared to cope with anxiety, depression, addiction or chronic pain. And often, by the time it becomes clear this suffering isn’t going away, things have got out of hand. This is where therapy can help.
Working from a psychobiological perspective on how we think and feel will change our biology. Finding how to breathe and reconnect with the body will change our thoughts and emotions. It will reduce stress – so the body can return to a place of balance and wellbeing.
FAQ's
You are not broken
Right now, I know it might feel that way but over time this feeling will change.
The Buddha spoke of the Four Noble Truths, the first being that life contains inevitable, unavoidable suffering. Is it suffering that brings you to my door? What is the nature of that suffering? It might be an issue with addiction, eating disorders, relationship problems, or questions of gender; all are welcome.
Whether you see me for psychotherapy or issues with sleep (there are often deep routes in our sleeplessness), the direction of our work together will find its path.
Do you accept insurance?
Yes, I am registered with various insurance companies, including AXA, WPA, Vitality and Cigna.
Please get in touch to discuss the referral and how you proceed with your insurance company.
Do you offer a sliding fee scale?
My fees differ depending on where you are seeing me and whether it is for psychotherapy or sleep. I offer four low-cost opportunities for students and people on low incomes on my caseload per year. Currently these places are all taken.
Availability
If I don't have upcoming availability, I would be happy to provide referrals to colleagues that I trust and respect.
How much are the sessions? How long are the sessions?
Individual therapy sessions are either 50 mins or 1 hour. Costs depend on whether you are seeing me for psychotherapy or for issues with sleep as well as whether you are seeing me online or face to face.
Can I see you online?
Yes. I work with clients across a range of online platforms, and my insurance covers me to work with most overseas clients online (there are various exclusions in different countries, especially the US but please do still get in touch). I also work face to face on Wimpole Street in London and in Deddington, Oxfordshire.
How often would we meet?
At the beginning, we meet weekly either face to face or online. After six weeks, we review where we are at. Depending on what we are working on will depend on how often we meet. Many people commit to long-term weekly psychotherapy. For my sleep clients, we may work weekly, then move to biweekly, then to once a month. Previous clients are always welcome to return for a drop-in session if needed.
What happens if I need to cancel?
For virtual sessions, I have a 24-cancellation policy. So if you cancel within 24 hours of the appointment, you will be billed for the session.
For face-to-face sessions, I have a 48-cancellation policy. So if you cancel within 48 hours of the appointment, you will be billed for the session.