Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy literally means to nurse the soul;
deriving its name from the ancient Greeks and their understanding of human nature and the psyche.
What is Psychotherapy?
By listening attentively and patiently the therapist can begin to perceive the difficulties from the client’s point of view, and can support them to see things more clearly, possibly from a slightly different angle. Psychotherapy is a way of facilitating choice or change, or reducing confusion.
In the therapy sessions the client is enabled to explore various aspects of their life and feelings concerning them – talking about them freely and openly in a way that is rarely possible with friends and family – to a person who neither judges nor offer advice. Psychotherapy provides a client with the opportunity to express such feelings in a secure place. This can facilitate a release, reduce the pain the client is experiencing, and deepen awareness as to the underlying causes. The client can gain self-respect and a sense of being of value by having their feelings – and thereby themselves as a person accepted and respected. The relationship between client and the psychotherapist is an essential part of the process. Therefore, as trust is built up, the psychotherapist will encourage the client to look at aspects of their life, at their relationships and themselves which they may not have thought of or felt able to face before. Client autonomy is the ultimate aim: for the client to make their own choices and decisions and to put them successfully into action.
For the client, this is a journey of self-discovery in which they look at the relationship between their own feelings, thoughts, beliefs, and their life events, such as relationships, work, etc. The job of the therapist is to create a trusting relationship within which the client feels accepted and understood.
Therapeutic techniques involve talking, mirroring, relaxation practices, role playing, visualization, working in nature etc. A technique is never used with clients unless they understand its use and are willing to try it out. Techniques are chosen to suit the client’s temperament.
Getting Started
I offer a free 20-minute confidential consultation (phone or Zoom). You might be able to explain the reason why you are looking to embark on the journey of psychotherapy and ask any questions you might have about the process. We can also check if we are a good match for each other and I will explain how I work. Fees will be agreed during this pre- session.
We will be looking possibly at some of your life history, your aims and goals. Following that we will look at signing a contract for 6 sessions. (One session a week) At the end of the contract we will discuss terminating or continuing our work together.
Length
Psychotherapy can be effective in both the short term (2 – 12 sessions), medium, and long term (6 months up to 3 years and longer). The length of the therapy will depend on what you wish to resolve and develop in your life.
Fees
£50-70 per session conducted via Zoom
Sliding scale available to be discussed
"Dear Marie Helene - where can I begin? The past year has been a truly amazing time for me. My heart and soul have awakened in a way that I never imagined was possible. Your wisdom and teachings have guided me and inspired me to find the answers that I seek. Thank you for being my healer."
Jeff
"I could write reams about how much I got from my time in therapy with Marie-Helene. She was the right therapist at the right time and enabled me to recover from a stack of grief, a failing belief in my self both personally and professionally and a paralysing fear of the future.
Marie-Helene always greeted me with warmth and openness and I quickly came to trust that she was able and willing to walk with me in my journey of recovery. She was heartfelt in responding to my pain and as a result I felt contained and safe. Her ability to hold the space between us when I was struggling, allowed me to slowly do the same.
She showed great skill, flexibility and creativity in her approach to therapy, always allowing me to decide what and how to proceed. I had never experienced using a sand box, drawing, breath work, visualisation or nature in any other experience of therapy and it was refreshing and helpful to explore myself in different ways when dialogue wasn’t easy. All these experiences are now in my own toolbox to use and share with others.
Unlike other therapists I have worked with over the years, Marie-Helene valued being transparent about the nature of the work. she showed humility and wisdom about humanity and helped me shift my perspective from being the problem to being a part of it and also part of the solution. This shift empowered me to feel confident in my life decisions.
I have and will continue to recommend Marie-Helene to others who are seeking a truly holistic approach to healing and can’t thank her enough for becoming part of my rich tapestry."
SG