writing

autism

There is more than one way of being human.

While in the mainstream, autism is thought of as a developmental disorder, psychoanalyst Leon Bremner suggests we should think of autism as a radically different way of being. In other words, autistic people are different, not broken, and that difference should be supported.

The trouble for autistic people is that some of that difference lies in the way relationships form. In the way people speak with each other, share interests, and feel things. While there is nothing wrong with being autistic, it can be lonely.

In a psychoanalytic approach to autism, the aim is not to remove it, cure it, or force the person into a mould which doesn't fit. Rather, as in all psychoanalytic work, we ask questions. What is possible? What do you enjoy? What satisfies?

psychotherapy

We all suffer some form of mental distress in our lives. Sometimes this occurs after a specific event, such as a loss, and, in time, it passes.

But often we find that the distress seems too much, or it doesn't pass. We may realise we have lived with a troubling feeling, belief, anxiety or symptom for many years.

Psychotherapy explores the beliefs and experiences that underlie these problems. This can help us lead freer, more fulfilling lives, with ongoing improvement over time.

People often seek psychotherapy when struggling with:

anxiety, depression, or obsessive thoughts or behaviours
anger, rage, repetitive conflict, or avoidance of conflict
grief, loss, a sense of guilt
problems with sex, or questions concerning sexuality or gender
recovery from trauma and traumatic events
self critical, negative, or troubling thoughts
difficulty with strong emotions, or an lack of emotion
difficulty with self expression
failures, such as in relationships or career, that hold us back or seem to repeat over time

We practice psychotherapy in a manner influenced by psychoanalysis. READ MORE

Psychotherapy is medium to long term.

couples therapy

"We are never so defenceless against suffering as when we love"
Sigmund Freud

Relationships can offer precious moments of love, intimacy and connection.

However, sometimes it can seem as if something is broken. Where we used to feel deeply known, we find that we cannot connect. Despite good intentions, communication doesn't work. Attempts to be heard can lead to conflict, emotional cut off, or explosive anger.

Sometimes these ruptures are all the more painful because of the love we have for the other.

Beyond this, some couples struggle with challenges such as infidelity, differences in sexual desire, problematic use of alcohol or pornography, threatening behaviour, trust issues, or the effect of mental health issues, ADHD, or autism on the relationship.

Couples therapy is a collaboration between you and your partner, guided by a therapist. Both partners have the chance to be heard, and to speak about what troubles them.

As much as possible, the therapist aims to draw out a fuller story; to help each partner speak and be understood at greater depth. This can lead to increased understanding, empathy, and better ways to be together.

Couples therapy is usually short to medium term, although some couples find ongoing check ins to be very helpful.

child psychotherapy

"Quote by Klein or Winnicott?"
Klien or Winnicott

Child Psychotherapy, offered by our registered psychologist Claire Baxter, is ...........................

Relationships can offer precious moments of love, intimacy and connection.

However, sometimes it can seem as if something is broken. Where we used to feel deeply known, we find that we cannot connect. Despite good intentions, communication doesn't work. Attempts to be heard can lead to conflict, emotional cut off, or explosive anger.

Couples therapy is usually short to medium term, although some couples find ongoing check ins to be very helpful.

professional supervision

People working in the helping professions can benefit by engaging a supervisor. This is sometimes mandated by professional bodies, such as the APA or AASW, or, it can be helpful for workers in non-clinical fields who would like support with the challenges they encounter at work.

Our practitioners are able to provide supervision to workers in a range of disciplines including:

Social work, with an emphasis on youth mental health, sexual assault and trauma psychotherapy
Psychology, focusing on general psychology, psychodynamic approaches, or working with athletes.
Counselling, psychotherapy, or community mental health, homelessness, and work with clients with complex needs