Background
I am a Counselling Psychologist registered with HCPC (PYL36844) as a Practitioner Psychologist. I have worked therapeutically for over 15 years with all kinds of client groups. I work from an integrative, relational perspective.
This means I am trained in a number of different modalities, and will develop a therapeutic approach that meets your individual needs, with an underlying ethos of developing a positive relationship with you through which to effect change. Modalities I have experience in include:
- EMDR
- Relational therapy
- Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
- Compassion focused therapy
- Brief solution-focused therapy
- Addictions therapy
- Mindfulness
- Psychodynamic psychotherapy
As well as working as a counselling psychologist, I am a freelance research consultant, a lecturer in Psychology for the Open University, and I provide training and clinical supervision to workplaces and individuals. Over the last 15 years I have worked in varied psychology and therapy roles including forensic psychology services, homelessness and complex needs (Second Step), addictions (with adults and young people, both residential and community based), NHS IAPT (Improving Access to Psychological Therapies) services, SANEline (a mental health telephone support service), psychotherapy services with children in Mexico, and mentor services for early career researchers.
I am very interested in how the attachments we have formed in our early life may shape our future relationships, and how later positive attachments can help us find the strength to overcome problems.
This understanding informs the work I do with many clients. I also use many positive psychology strategies that can help us overcame shame, despair and difficulty. I see learning to be kind to the self as an important part of empowering change from within, and use many techniques that can help you with this.
Getting started
Healthy relationships can have a big impact on emotional wellbeing. I therefore offer respect, warmth and empathy to help you build a trusting relationship with me, providing a safe space for you to work through your issues. I will work with you to decide on a course of action that we both feel will best help you make positive changes in whatever areas are most concerning you.
One of the most important factors in successful therapy is the relationship between the client and therapist, no matter which type of therapy they offer. Therefore it might help you to try out a few therapists first to see what suits you.
The sessions
Sessions will differ depending on the mode of therapy we decide to use. We may work more in the here and now, or we may look at where issues have stemmed from in the past. I will be led by you and your needs.
As I am trained in a variety of modes, I am able to use a range of techniques tailored to your specific needs. Whatever we do together, we will go at your pace. It can take time to feel safe enough to let someone in, so I don’t expect you to tell me everything straight away! We will work together – you are the expert in your experience, and I will be there to facilitate you in understanding yourself better so that you can live a more fulfilling, less stressful life. I understand that talking about your issues can feel quite challenging at times.
Sometimes you will feel enlightened after sessions. Other times you may feel a little exhausted. This is completely normal and all part of the process of change.
Contact and further information
www.jesswalkercounsellingpsychology.com
07444 686246