What to expect

Ellen Hart - Psychotherapist

What you can expect from my practice in Bristol.

Sessions, fees and ways of working

It may have been a big step for you to have contacted me. You may have preferred to solve your own problems, but sometimes these can be so overwhelming, confusing, painful or just plain incomprehensible that you need some help. At the first session, we may both feel a little nervous at meeting a stranger we hope to connect with.
 I will listen to you with respect and empathy, without judgement, and allow you to go at your own pace. Together we will aim to make some emotional sense of what is at the root of your painful or confusing feelings. The first session is there to decide whether I think I can help you, and whether you feel heard, safe, and able to trust the process that we have started. 

Short or long term

Sometimes short term therapy can make a dramatic difference. However, deep seated problems may stem from the unconscious ways we are perceiving life and ourselves; patterns formed in childhood. Often you know rationally that your behaviour or thoughts are not helping you, but can't stop them. For such problems we may need a longer process, in which together we can begin to make emotional sense of such irrational thoughts, and slowly change the unconscious patterns. I have long experience with such processes and I trust in it. 

Sessions

If we decide to work together, I would expect you to come at least once a week; usually at a set time, but I try to fit in shift workers.

My way of working and theoretical approach to Psychotherapy

INTEGRATIVE 
In my training I learned a number of different theories and how to use any of these if and when they feel right for our work together. 
RELATIONAL 
Even more important is that we develop a relationship of trust that feels safe and warm to you so that together we can reach a deep emotional understanding of your pain. If there is enough trust, then sometimes difficult feelings of anger and conflict between us can also be very useful to explore. 
INTERSUBJECTIVE  
I am not an objective observer, but relate to you as another human being, as you do to me. Despite my greater knowledge and experience, we are in this process together. 
CLIENT CENTERED- HUMANISTIC 
I believe that unconsciously you know best what you need, I just help you find this. You are the expert on your life and I don't tell you what to do or how to think . I will not judge you but will treat you with respect and understanding. 
PSYCHODYNAMIC 
I am aware that for both of us unconscious feelings may influence our thoughts and actions, and may come into the relationship. I may tell you what I think is possibly going on for you, but will always respect it if you disagree; in the end, you are the expert on your life.
This is my basic approach, but please also look at Further Approaches and Interests and for example: Existential Psychotherapy, the role of Politics and bodily symptoms.
Psychotherapist
To schedule your first counselling session, 
call me today
0117 927 2686
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