Holding responsibility for others can be rewarding, but it can also be an isolating experience. Whether you work in healthcare, law, technology, the arts, or education, your role likely demands a great deal of your intellectual and emotional energy.
Therapy offers a dedicated, confidential space to step away from those demands. It is a time each week to think freely about the pressures you carry, the complex decisions you face, and the impact your work has on your identity and relationships, without fear of professional consequence.
If this resonates with you, the first step is to book a free introductory call.
Common Pressures in Professional Life
You don't need a crisis point or a specific "problem" to begin therapy. Many professionals get in touch because they recognise a persistent pattern or a growing sense of unease.
We can explore areas such as:
Stress, Burnout, and Compassion Fatigue
Sustained exposure to high-stakes work can lead to a state of chronic stress or emotional exhaustion. You might notice you’re feeling cynical, detached from your work, or that your performance is suffering. We can look at the roots of this depletion and find ways to protect your well-being.
The Weight of Leadership
Leading a team, especially through periods of uncertainty, restructuring, or conflict, brings a unique set of pressures. It can be a lonely role. Therapy provides a space to process the emotional impact of your decisions and the responsibility you hold for others, away from the view of your colleagues.
Ethical Dilemmas and Moral Injury
Many professions involve navigating complex ethical situations that don’t have easy answers. You may have witnessed or been part of events that conflict with your personal values. We can explore these experiences and the feelings they leave behind in a non-judgemental way.
Impostor Feelings and Perfectionism
A constant pressure to perform flawlessly can lead to intense self-criticism or a persistent fear of being "found out." We can get curious about these feelings, understanding where they come from and how they impact your work and your sense of self.
Balancing Work and the Rest of Life
When your work is demanding, it can easily encroach on your personal life. We can think about the boundaries between your professional and private self, the strain on your relationships, and how to nurture the parts of your life that exist outside of your job title.
How We Can Work Together
My approach is not about offering quick fixes or business coaching. It is a thoughtful, exploratory process grounded in psychodynamic and humanistic traditions.
This means our work will be:
- Reflective: We slow down and pay attention to the connections between your work, your identity, and your personal history. We look at the recurring patterns in your life and relationships, including how they might show up in our sessions.
- Relational: The trust we build together is central. It creates a space where you can speak about your doubts, successes, and the things you rarely say aloud to anyone else.
- At Your Pace: There are no targets, key performance indicators, or homework assignments. The work is the conversation itself, and it unfolds at a pace that feels right for you.
- GSRD-Informed: I have specialist training in Gender, Sex, and Relationship Diversity, ensuring an affirming and knowledgeable space for clients of all identities and relationship structures.
A Genuinely Confidential Space
I understand that for many professionals, particularly those in clinical, legal, or public-facing roles, confidentiality is paramount.
All our sessions are conducted on a secure, encrypted video platform. I am an Accredited Member of the BACP and adhere strictly to its ethical framework regarding your privacy. We can also discuss any specific concerns you have about discretion in our initial consultation.
Is This Approach a Good Fit for You?
This exploratory style of therapy is well-suited to individuals who are curious about themselves and wish to gain a deeper understanding of their inner world. It requires a willingness to engage in a reflective process over time.
It may be less suitable if you are seeking a short-term, solution-focused, or skills-based approach like CBT or performance coaching. If that sounds more like what you need, I am happy to help signpost you to other resources.
Please be aware that my practice is not an emergency service. Online therapy is not always appropriate for individuals experiencing acute mental health crises.
If you need urgent support, please contact your GP, occupational health team, or local crisis service. You can also call 999 or the Samaritans on 116 123 (free, 24/7).
Practical Information
- Sessions: We meet online for 50 minutes, once a week at an agreed time. Consistency is key, but I understand that some roles involve unpredictable schedules, and we can discuss this.
- Location: I work with clients across the UK and Europe.
- Ethics: My work is guided by the ethical principles of the BACP.
Your Next Step
If you are looking for a confidential space to reflect on your professional life and personal well-being, I invite you to book a free, 15-minute consultation. It's a chance for us to speak, for you to ask any questions you may have, and to see if working together feels right.
You can also explore more about the issues I help with or my work with men and women.