When life seems overwhelming or without meaning
When love, work and social relationships seem to be falling apart
When you find yourself unable to solve the problems that life brings you
Work with me to
- See your problems clearly
- Deal with them at the root
- Choose a better life
Psychotherapy and Counselling based on the theory and practice of Alfred Adler (1870 – 1937), Rudolf Allers
and other pioneers of Individual Psychology, is a task in which you and I work together to discover the hidden roots of your problems.
What is brought to light and examined will begin to lose its power over you. You will know that psychotherapy or counselling is working, when you feel
the freedom to choose new goals and ways of living without suffering.
Choosing a psychotherapist or counsellor you feel able to trust can be difficult. I offer an initial single session at a low fee to allow you to discover whether we can work together before committing to therapy.
Is there a difference between psychotherapy and counselling?
Psychotherapy entails a radical character adjustment, changing deep-seated and mostly unconscious attitudes which lead the person into unnecessary conflict with the world. Counselling is relatively simple work, suggestive of a change in tactics in dealing with the world. In practice these overlap. It is only on completion of our work together that we could look back and say, that was counselling or that was psychotherapy. Even the seemingly less ambitious work of counselling leading to modest changes can eventually have far-reaching and liberating effects.
The matter is further complicated by a certain amount of snobbery among therapists and others, who tend to look down on mere counselling.
Are you saying that Adlerian therapy is better than other kinds?
The Adlerian approach, which has matured and developed for a century, offers the power to change your life for the better. The key to this power is Adler's insistence on placing the person at the centre of the undertaking and dealing with him or her as a comrade in a common enterprise. This was radical 100 years ago and remains so today.
I cannot observe therapists of other orientations at work, so I cannot claim to know that they are less effective. In fact many of my contacts with therapists of other orientations have impressed me with their wisdom and compassion. I suppose that no matter what the orientation of the therapist, good therapy transcends mere technique.
Can you guarantee results?
Unfortunately not. I can guarantee only that I will do my best to help but the results actually depend on the person. The person has to bring enough energy and courage to the room in order to shine a light on the inner life of the soul. This therapy is a form of self-examination and reflection, aided by a therapist.
How much do Psychotherapy and Counselling cost?
The full charge for a 50-minute session is £45. I offer an initial single session for a reduced fee of £25. I also offer therapy to psychology and psychotherapy students at that same reduced fee.
Can't I do this work on my own?
Yes, I believe that it is possible to work on yourself therapeutically. I believe we all need to be doing this as a matter of course, in the spirit of Socrates' dictum a life unexamined is not worth living
. However, it is extremely difficult to do this unaided. We are, as it were, standing in our own shadow. There is a tendency either to flatter oneself or to dwell on dark matter and descend into self-pity. Elsewhere on this page I have listed some books that may help. See Helpful Books by Adlerians.
I am afraid of what I may discover, if I start psychotherapy or self-analysis.
There is a common misconception that within the unconscious lurk unspeakable monsters. In the experience of Individual Psychology what we are most likely to find is error rather than horror. What is there is unspeakable because it has not yet been spoken of or examined. Unexamined, it continues to exert great destructive power over our lives.
As a man I consider it shameful to admit weakness. If I have problems, I ought to be able to just buck up and get on with it.
Well, I'm a man too, and I believe you may be making a terrible mistake. It is not unmanly at all to see a problem and resolve to tackle it. In fact it is a fundamental strength of our human nature, male and female: we turn problems into solutions.
Where and when does psychotherapy take place?
In a purpose-built garden room in Great Bookham offering the discrete setting best suited to this kind of work. Currently I offer sessions only on weekday evenings.
What area do you serve?
Great Bookham is within Mole Valley, Surrey, and in easy reach of Effingham, Fetcham, Little Bookham, Stoke d'Abernon, Cobham, Esher, Oxshott, Leatherhead, Ashtead, Epsom, Mickleham, Box Hill, Dorking, Westcott, Shere, Albury, Merrow, Guildford, Godalming, Burpham, East & West Clandon, East & West Horsley, Ockham, Ripley, Woking and Send. Great Bookham is on the A246 close to Leatherhead and Junction 9 of the M25. Great Bookham is also within a short distance of the A3, the A24 and the A25. On-street parking is free.
What are your qualifications?
I trained for 4 years at Bucks Adlerian Training in Aylesbury and earned the Adlerian Society's Diploma in Individual Psychology DipIIP. For over 5 years I have worked with people struggling with drug and alcohol addictions. Before training I worked in production, sales and marketing in printing, librarianship, publishing and engineering.
