MY APPROACH
I have a flexible, sensitive, relational approach. Over the course of our sessions, I will work very much in collaboration with you to share my observations of your difficulties and formulate a treatment plan.
I focus on your presenting difficulties in the context of your early relationships and environment, helping you to create links between past and present to bring about a deeper and more cohesive understanding of yourself.
The effectiveness of psychotherapy lies in the therapeutic relationship, finding new ways of relatedness that speak to the primary hopes and fears, needs and longings, traumas and disappointments that make up the unique meaning of a person's life.
I support and encourage ways of contacting your own inner experience, the embodied felt sense of what it means to be you whilst building a robust therapeutic relationship together. Engaging in therapy can help you reconnect with a sense of aliveness, contentment and find more creative ways of participating in the world.
I work integratively, meaning that I am not dogmatic and can use different elements from the main schools of psychotherapy to tailor my approach to your individual needs at any particular time. The core of my practice rests in relational psychoanalytic thought and humanistic-existential philosophy with its emphasis on the joy, pain and complexity of simply being human.
Training, Qualifications and Experience
I trained as an integrative psychotherapist with Regent’s University London, a highly respected, vibrant and innovative therapeutic community. I am committed to professional development and have participated in researching various subjects such as: the lived experience of shame, aspects of psychotherapy integration and practicing ethically.
I have worked in both private and mental health charity sector for a number of years with adults and young people supporting a diverse range of clients from many differing backgrounds, sexual orientations and cultures suffering from a wide range of presenting problems.
My previous career in the corporate world gave me much insight into the high levels of stress, the challenges and expectations that many people experience in their daily working lives, the loss of equilibrium between public and private. This in turn can have a detrimental effect on relationships, one's state of mind and on health in general.
I also have an interest in the difficulties facing young people in our modern society and supported a local youth counselling charity for a number of years, working with young people aged 13-21 presenting with anxiety, depression, relationship problems, academic, identity, gender and sexuality issues.
Psychotherapy Qualifications
UKCP accredited psychotherapist (no: 2011174062) and BACP registered (no: 381697)
Advanced Diploma in Integrative Psychotherapy, School of Psychotherapy and Counselling, RSPP, Regent’s University London
MA in Integrative Psychotherapy & Counselling, School of Psychotherapy & - Counselling, RSPP, Regent’s University London
Exploring Psychology, Open University, Milton Keynes
Certificate in Integrative Counselling, SPCP, Regent’s University London
Psychopathology certificate, Confer - Brett Kahr
Call me on 07557 364262 for an initial consultation or email cristina@cristinagordon.co.uk