Welcome to Mind Body Psychotherapy
Integrative Adult, Child & Adolescent Psychotherapy
About Me
UKCP Qualified Integrative Psychotherapist
I am a qualified Adult and Child UKCP registered Psychotherapist, based in the Lincoln Area.
I have a degree in social work, a Higher Diploma in Play therapy and a Masters Degree in Integrative Psychotherapy.
As a social worker and Psychotherapist, I have over 30 years of experience working therapeutically with adults and children with complex needs. During the last 12 years I have worked in the field of adoption where the focus of my work has included consultation, training, specialist assessments and the provision of therapy to bring about positive change for families.
Since qualifying as a Psychotherapist in 2009 my practice has continued to evolve, and I have completed additional training in a range of relational and trauma informed therapies.
Having a particular interest in the mind body connection I have also completed training with a focus on embodied based approaches. The importance of providing a therapy that promotes mind body connection is reinforced by experts in the field of trauma and neuroscience which shows the emotional and physical impact of trauma, and in particular how trauma can reprogram the nervous system so that it becomes chronically disrupted. Within this context I have come to learn that unhealed trauma and having a dysregulated nervous system is the root behind many difficulties including symptoms which are associated with depression, anxiety and many chronic health issues.
Providing a therapeutic space that includes reflective talking and integrating this with any insights that arise is also a valuable aspect of therapy and my core psychotherapy training will continue to provide a solid framework for therapeutic interventions. However, I also believe in working integratively with the mind body and nervous system as this promotes a more holistic framework and a better road map which can lead to deep and lasting change. This way of working recognizes the importance of incorporating certain embodied practices that may include increasing body awareness, breathing patterns, movement and sound, and various other strategies to expand and improve resources that if incorporated into a person’s lifestyle can lead to improvements in both physical and mental health.
Education
1999
BA, Social work Studies and Diploma in Social Work
2006
Advanced Professional Diploma in Therapeutic Play
2009
MA, Integrative psychotherapy/later converted to Child Psychotherapist
2021
Children Yoga Therapy Training 350 hours by Yoga Calm. (approved by the British Psychological Society)
2019
Story Stem Training, Certificate of Competency Story Stem Assessment Profile
Administration, Anna Freud Centre.
2023-2024
Currently Studying Certificate in Embodied Psychotherapy
Additional Training
EMDR to Advanced Level and EMDR with Children & Adolescents.
Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy Levels 1 & 2.
Theraplay training Levels 1 & 2
Sensory Attachment Intervention /Just right Programme
Trauma and Dissociation in Children, Dr. J Silberg 2 days
Life Story Training, Richard Rose 1 day
EMDR, Complex Trauma, Renee Marks BICTD
Attachment focused EMDR, healing developmental deficits and adults abused as children,
Laura Parnell (14 Hours)
My Approach
As an integrative psychotherapist, trained in both conventional psychotherapy and embodied therapies I believe in a holistic approach, informed by the core principle that the mind and body are intertwined and cannot be separated. My approach is relational, trauma informed and non-pathologizing. I do not see myself as an expert but view therapy as a collaborative process based on practices and goals that can support personal growth.
I draw on a wide range of therapeutic and creative interventions which can be integrated into sessions. Alongside reflective talking space I may promote trauma informed therapies that encourage mind body connection. This may include Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) which is an evidence-based therapy that can help people who suffer with disturbing memories and symptoms associated with trauma.
I believe that awareness is often a helpful part of any therapeutic work so some sessions may include psychoeducation so that people have more understanding of their own unique nervous system, and if needed they can consider any life style changes they may need that are in line with their own personal goals.
I also encourage an embodied based approach as part of the therapeutic journey which invites the language and wisdom of the body into the therapy space. This is sometimes described as a bottom-up approach which is different from some conventional/traditional therapies that may be predominantly talking based. Sessions may therefore involve bringing attention to the sensations in the body, breath and posture as a way of gaining insight into a persons emotional, psychological and unique nervous system responses. With body awareness and by increasing greater capacity to regulate, clients can then be safely guided and supported within sessions to help process and release trauma and survival energy that is often held in the body. Over a period of time this approach can help people to develop increased capacity, flexibility and resilience in the nervous system so that they are more able to cope with difficult emotions and any demands in their day to day life.
Services
I can offer therapeutic plans for a range of difficulties including but not limited to:
Nervous system regulation difficulties including problems with depression, anxiety and irritability, ADHD
Self Harm
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Anger
Parent/carer-child relationships difficulties
Developmental trauma
Day to day worry
Lack of confidence
Sleep
Loss/ Bereavement
Relationships
Work related stress
School based phobias/emotionally based school avoidance
Therapy plans
At the heart of my service is the belief that everyone is unique, and each therapeutic plan will be different
Adults
For adult clients during the first appointment, I usually gather some background information relating to history and events that may have impacted on your life, and relevant information such as any health and current life style practices , and your goals for therapy.
During the early stages of therapy it is recommended to meet where possible on a weekly basis as this usually helps develop the therapeutic relationship. After the first session there is no obligation to come back and if a client does not feel the therapeutic approach I offer is a good match I can usually signpost you to an alternative therapist.
If you decide to proceed with therapy, we will usually arrange a block of 8 sessions and then we would have a review to explore your experience and to decide if you would like to continue with therapeutic sessions.
Sessions where possible are planned ahead so that you are able to attend sessions on a regular basis, and so you can plan the best day of the week and time that works, and where I can provide a regular and consistent space.
Children
Therapy sessions for young children are usually face to face and were possible planned on a weekly basis. Prior to agreeing on a therapeutic plan, I would usually arrange an intake appointment for parents/carers which provides space to talk about difficulties that can be explored separately from any sessions with the child. Following the intake appointment I usually arrange to meet the child with the presence of a carer and if the child is in agreement with any therapeutic plan and would like to come back I can arrange a block of sessions. Depending on the assessment and need of the child sessions may be either individual, family or a combination of both. Sessions are usually planned in blocks of 8 followed by a review and that way changes can be made if needed.
Cost
The length and cost of sessions will depend on the therapeutic approach but can range in length from 60 minutes to 90 minutes for each session. The cost of sessions range from £75.00 - £110.00. If you are undecided about committing to sessions or need further information, then I am also happy to offer a 20 minute no charge consultation appointment.
Hybrid Sessions
Adults and adolescents can be offered sessions both in person and online which is sometimes needed if they need more flexibility around their weekly structure.
How long does Therapy Take
As everyone is unique the length and frequency of therapy will be different. Some clients benefit and may need longer term therapy, and indeed some clients are required to commit to long term therapy as this may be a requirement of their own psychotherapy training.
For some people longer term therapy may not be an option due to financial restraints and other factors although I would usually recommend at least 16 sessions. I do believe that for some people this can still be a useful experience and provide some helpful resources that they can choose to continue to build on outside of therapy sessions.
Other Services
Services for Adopted, Special Guardianship Families and Social Care
Please contact me direct to discuss organisation fees.
Training and Consultation
I am able to offer training/ workshops to various organisations specific to Child Development and trauma informed interventions. Please contact me to discuss various options and pricing.
"Human beings are born with an innate capacity to triumph over trauma.
I believe not only that trauma is curable, but that the healing process can be a catalyst for profound awakening, a portal opening to emotional and genuine Spiritual transformation"
- Peter A Levine
Ethics and Professional Standards
I am registered with the Health and Care professionals Council and am a fully accredited member of the UKCP.
Both have codes of conduct which I adhere to. I am deeply committed to my ongoing personal and professional development so attend regular training. I also have regular supervision to ensure I am practising ethically and safely. I hold public and professional liability insurance.
I store data in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and I hold an enhanced DBS certificate.
Contact me
Areas Covered
Lincoln. Lincolnshire, Newark
and Peak District
Phone
07887717368
