Therapy and Counselling in North West London
PSYCHOTHERAPY & COUNSELLING IN QUEEN'S PARKRELATIONSHIP THERAPY IN WEST HAMPSTEAD
MOTHER AND BABY COUNSELLING IN KILBURN
Who is it for?
'Space for Thinking' provides psychotherapy and counselling in NW6, in the Kilburn/Queen's Park area for individuals, couples and mothers and babies. Many people tend to feel the need to see a therapist or counsellor when they are unfulfilled or 'stuck' in their lives and relationships. Therapy can provide a safer space for exploring issues which are difficult to share with friends and family. Some examples of issues often explored in therapy are difficulty in overcoming loss, or feeling trapped in unhealthy patterns of behaviour such as getting involved in dysfunctional relationships or not looking after one's body. Therapy is conducted by a fully qualified, accredited and experienced psychotherapist.
THE PHILOSOPHY OF SPACE FOR THINKING
The kind of psychotherapy NOT offerered
Although psychoanalytically trained, the therapist's background in social anthropology has enabled her to critique some 'orthodox' psychoanalytic approaches liable to thinking that it is possible for the therapist to have a map of the patient's mind and/or to know the patient's unconscious motives and wishes. In her experience, assuming such knowledge can often be experienced by the client as patronising and disempowering and/or can quite simply lead to false conclusions.
The kind of psychotherapy offered
Instead, therapy can be a form of attentiveness to the experience of and relationship with another. Mental suffering such as depression can often be a state of not feeling comfortable in one's skin and in one's ways of being, a state which can be altered and alleviated through accepting and understanding one's experience of the world. Making sense of a person 's history and how it has contributed to their difficulties can be an empowering and healing experience. There is a strong interest in diversity and thinking about difference, be it cultural, ideological/political, gender etc. rather than adopting a universal theory of health and pathology. There is also a strong interest in existential struggles that come about through important life events such as bereavement, dislocation, having a baby etc. Mother and baby sessions are offered and welcome.
How does it work?
It is part of the philosophy of 'Space for Thinking' that people who find their way to therapy can feel more contented in their lives through developing a therapeutic relationship of trust and respect, where they can be honest and safely explore their difficulties. 'Space for Thinking' does not advocate magical cures, but that through being given space to listen to their voice, opinions and needs, people can activate and use their own healing powers.
SESSIONS
Length and Frequency
Sessions are held in North West London, NW6 within easy reach of Central London and in close proximity to the areas of Queen's Park, West and South Hampstead, Willesden Green and Kilburn. Sessions last 45-50 minutes for individuals and one hour for couples. Once in ongoing therapy, sessions take place between one and three times a week. Short term therapy is also offered, when suitable for the client's needs.
Rates
There is a sliding scale from £40 to £70 per session for individuals and from £60 to £100 per session for couples, according to the client's income. Under special circumstances, a reduced fee of £30- £35 per session can be negotiated.
Initial Consultation
The initial consultation lasts 50 minutes for individuals and is charged £50 per session, and one hour for couples and is charged £80. One session is usually sufficient to assess whether therapy is suitable treatment at the particular moment in the client's life, but occasionally, a second session for assesment might be necessary. An initial consultation is also an opportunity for the client to explore whether the therapy offered is suitable for them, and whether they can work with the particular therapist. It is a good idea to come prepared with questions that feel important to ask, but also to think about the history of one's difficulties and what one is hoping to achieve through therapy as a way of making the most of the session. Usually, the first six sessions are exploratory and a prelude to longer term therapy.
