My Therapies
Psychotherapeutic Counselling
I'm a Psychotherapeutic counsellor (PGDip Level 7) and trauma-informed somatic bodywork therapist (Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy and Shiatsu) with over 25 years of clinical experience. My work draws upon Psychosynthesis, which is a type of transpersonal and integrative psychotherapy.
My psychotherapeutic approach is warm, honest and creative, which means talking is one of the ways we can explore your issues. I aim to create a space where something authentic opens up for you and in between us.
I specialise in healing trauma, the symptoms of which include anxiety, panic attacks, PTSD, depression, DID, eating disorders and more. I combine a range of effective therapeutic approaches, acknowledging the connection between body and mind. I offer a deep understanding of psychological processes, and a refined approach which facilitates meaningful change.
I support you initially by going to wherever you are, in order to help take you to where you need to go, at your pace.
I fully engage with the emotions and difficulties that are likely to arise, creating a space where you feel heard and fully acknowledged.
The aim of my work is to help you to know yourself by eventually allowing yourself to fully experience your feelings and emotions. I will be there with you all the way if you wish, not just sitting back and listening but skilfully engaging in whatever way is beneficial for your growth.
To book your complimentary 20 minute consultation, please contact Tânia.
Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy
Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy (BCST) emphasizes a more subtle, non-directive approach, focusing on supporting the body's self-healing mechanisms and working with the body's inherent rhythms, while non-biodynamic approaches may employ more direct techniques to influence the body's alignment.
BCST is a gentle therapy aiming to create a safe space where change is possible. Through the therapist’s skilled touch, the body has an opportunity to release patterns of emotional, psychological and physical tensions held in the body, particularly in the nervous system.
BCST is a type of bodywork where the therapist listens in silence to the client’s continuous unfolding, and other times to the stillness. It is in this quiet, peaceful and relaxing setting that the body can speak. It is a type of therapy that powerfully compliments psychotherapy and other forms of talking therapy. BCST is a deeply nourishing resource for your growth and well being.
What happens during a typical session?
An initial case history is taken followed by you lying down fully clothed on a comfortable couch. It is also possible to work with you sitting up in a chair, if lying down is difficult for you. I will make contact with your body either by touching areas of your body gently and lightly or I might touch you off body, which means I will have my hands close to you body but not physically touching you. This type of approach is used in cases where for example there is a chance of hyperarousal due to all sorts of traumatic experiences.
What most people experience during a treatment is deep relaxation, followed by a good night's sleep. Most often people report a deepest sense of being fully heard and met. As well as inner peace, a sense of relief, deep stillness and relaxation, connection, acceptance, feeling fully alive and whole again.
It can help to:
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support your body’s natural and innate ability to balance, restore and heal itself
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reduce stress
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build underlying energy
Both acute and chronic conditions can respond well to BCST. It is suitable for everyone, from newly-born babies to the elderly.
To book your complimentary 15 minute online session, please contact Tânia.
Shiatsu Massage
Shiatsu is, originally a Japanese massage with the influence of traditional Chinese medicine behind it. Although the word Shiatsu in Japanese means “finger pressure” other parts of the practitioner’s body are used to apply pressure at different degrees on the body, such as hands, knees and elbows. Stretches, joint rotation, and joint mobilisation are other tools that can be used accordingly.
Shiatsu is a holistic form of therapy that improves a person’s overall health by affecting their internal energy system. It can help with a variety of physical, psychological and emotional issues.
What happens during a typical session?
In your first session we'll spend about 30 minutes getting to know how you are doing and what brought you to Shiatsu. The work is done with you fully clothed on a futon on the floor. Various types of touch and techniques can be applied depending on your needs. I will be listening to your words as well as observing your voice and energy. That’s when I get an initial picture of what is happening for you. Although most of it is done in silence or using healing music if you prefer, sometimes the work prompts the need to express an emotion or memory.
As your mind quietens your body has a chance to deeply relax and release tensions. At the heart of Shiatsu is the mysterious and powerful ability of your body to heal itself. Allowing the central nervous system to realign, creating a sense of balance, peace, calm, clarity and relief, fostering resilience.
My style of Shiatsu
My style of Shiatsu integrates breathwork, visualization, meditation and Craniosacral Therapy. My work is also informed by trauma training, martial arts, meditation and psychotherapy, which helps me to deliver a sophisticated approach to my clients where they feel fully heard. Feeling listened to in that way can be a powerful component of the healing process, as it fosters a sense of validation, understanding and connection, which can be crucial for emotional and psychological well-being. When someone feels truly heard, it creates a sense of safety and support, allowing you to process difficult emotions and experiences.
To book your complimentary 15 minute online consultation, please contact Tânia.
