Integrative Relational Psychotherapist and Counsellor
Trained at the Chiron Centre for Body Psychotherapy

About myself and how I work

I support people in making changes and moving through old stuck material to realise their potential in relationships, work and creativity. Through my own personal therapy, I realised that seeing someone outside the normal social network, who would support and yet challenge, was of enormous benefit and I decided that I would like to train to become a therapist. I began to realise that understanding in itself did not lead to lasting change and that the body holds clues unconscious material. I therefore studied body psychotherapy.

What might happen in a session

I emphasise body awareness as a way of contacting physical, emotional and mental processes and their correlations. Often when dealing with painful situations we are only aware of a fragment of our experience and attending to the body   can help integration between the fragments. I attempt to access the inner experience by including body language, tone of voice and spontaneous movements. Much of the work will take place in the chair and when it is appropriate and agreed I might invite you to move in the room or to lie down on the mattress. We might use drawing, role play, guided imagery or dream work as a way of expressing conflicts and difficult feelings. Occasionally when agreed, I use massage or touch as a way of contacting the body.

I seek to develop an empowering practice and I emphasise collaboration. I believe that therapy is not something that is done to you the client but something that happens between client and therapist in an atmosphere of mutuality. I enjoy learning more about what works so I constantly update my knowledge and reflect on my practices.

My approach includes empathetic listening and appropriate challenging; honest open reflection; giving space and respect for personal, physical, psychological and broadly speaking spiritual aspects.

Background

As well as training to Diploma level in body psychotherapy, I have also done short trainings in solution focused therapy and CBT at a foundation level. I work with clients privately and I also work for EAP's (Employee Assistance Programmes). I have in the past worked in a GP's Surgery and in DASL (Drug and Alcohol Service for London) as an addiction counsellor. Before training as a therapist I was a social welfare lawyer working in the area of homelessness, immigration, domestic violence and family law.

Length of Therapy

I am able to offer a range of engagements in therapy from longer term to time limited therapy of less than 6 months. In the first meeting I will assess in collaboration with you, your aims and it will be an opportunity for you to see if therapy is what you are looking for.

Price and length of sessions

The sessions are 50 minutes long and my fee ranges from £40-£60 depending on your circumstances. I also keep a limited number of places at £30 per hour for people with limited income. Sessions are usually weekly and occasionally twice a week if this is appropriate.

Location

Nunhead SE15 (Between Peckham Rye and East Dulwich) (on bus routes and overland rail - free street parking available). Wednesday - Friday. Please click HERE for a map.

8, Hop Gardens, Off St Martins Lane , London WC2N 4EH. Monday and Tuesday. Please click HERE for a map.

Accreditation

UKCP
Dip Body psychotherapy - Chiron
Member of BACP (British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists)
Member of CABP (Chiron Association of Body Psychotherapists)

Registered with Counselling Directory

Contact Me

Tel: 0781 4541669
Email: duggan54@hotmail.com