Time and space that is just for you
I’m here to offer a confidential space where you can step aside from the pressures of everyday life and take time for yourself.
Having this kind of space can make all the difference in finding your way forwards.
Are you experiencing difficulties in your relationships, whether that’s with your partner, parent, child, or colleague? Perhaps you have the feeling that the same old problems crop up again and again?
Are you experiencing moments of panic, anxiety, or anger, and are not sure why?
Are you finding it hard to come to terms with a big loss or change in your life? Perhaps you have found ways to cope, but are still struggling to make sense of what happened.
Are you feeling under intense pressure at work? Perhaps you’re aware that the expectations you put on yourself are sometimes the hardest.
These are just a few the reasons for seeking therapy. Whatever you are dealing with, my aim is to provide a calm, compassionate space, where you are free to express and explore all aspects of yourself and your situation.
Counselling with Ellie Stedall
Whatever has brought you to counselling, I will be alongside you as you explore it.
I am trained in a kind of therapy called Psychosynthesis. Psychosynthesis pays attention to your whole being – thoughts, feelings, and body – and I will check in with you about all of these.
Sometimes, the way we think or react has its roots in our childhood or early life. I will encourage you to think about these patterns, how they may have served you in the past, and how they might not be helping you anymore.
I will also pay attention to how the relationship between you and me unfolds, and encourage you to do the same. Sometimes, aspects of your life will be reflected in the counselling space, giving us a chance to consider them together, in a completely uncritical way.
Sometimes I will reflect back to you something I have noticed, or I might challenge something you have said. I will always do this gently, and with the aim of helping you to gain clarity about your situation.
I’m here to support your journey rather than to offer solutions or advice. Counselling can’t take away the difficulties of life, but it can help you to draw on your own inner resources so that you feel more resilient, calmer, and more in control of things day to day.
It’s about getting past the current difficulty or crisis you are facing, to a place where life isn’t just something you have to put up with. The aim is that you will have more choice and freedom, and a sense of moving forwards in a way that is genuinely meaningful for you.
Areas I work with:
I work with a range of issues, including:
Transitions: the various transitions that life offers or sometimes forces on us, whether that’s finding your way into adulthood, becoming a parent, facing illness or the death of loved one, considering a career change or retirement – all these transitions can bring up questions about your identity and what gives your life meaning and purpose.
Family issues: your role within your family, or your relationship with a particular family member; the complexities of blended, extended, and step families. Family dynamics can shift over time, presenting new challenges – perhaps you and your siblings are wondering how to care for elderly parents; or perhaps becoming a parent yourself has made you think differently about your own childhood.
Relationships: relationships can bring us so much pleasure, and also pain – maybe you are experiencing difficulty in intimate relationships, or in your relationship with family, friends, colleagues, or even with yourself.
Bereavement: grief following the death of a loved one can be overpowering; grief can also come at the end of a relationship, after professional disappointment, or when you lose sight of a hope or dream that you had for your life.
Low confidence and self-esteem: a constant sense of not being good enough; the belief that you don’t deserve anything better.
Depression, anxiety, anger, overwhelm: feelings or emotions that make daily life a struggle or a burden.
Historic childhood trauma: however long ago, however far you have come, difficulty or trauma you experienced as a child may be impacting your life in the present.
What’s it like to work with me?
I offer an introductory 20 minute conversation, online or on the phone, for no charge. This is an opportunity for you to ask any questions you have, and to get a sense of how it would be to work together.
If you decide you would like to work together after this call, we will find a time that is mutually convenient.
Each session will be 50 minutes long, and will take place at the same time each week.
I am open to working for short period (usually a minimum of six sessions), or on an open-ended basis, giving you the chance to explore in depth the challenges you are facing.
Either way, you will be at the heart of the work, and the pace of the sessions will be set by you. I will usually suggest that we have a brief review every six weeks or so, in order to stay attuned to what you want and need from the process.
Therapy Qualifications:
One-year Introduction to Counselling and Psychotherapy (Tavistock Centre)
Three-year PGDip Psychotherapeutic Counselling (Psychosynthesis Trust)
I am currently in the final year of an advanced training at the Psychosynthesis Trust, which will qualify me as a psychotherapist.
I am a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and The UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP), and am bound by the ethical framework and complaints procedures of these professional bodies.
I have volunteered with the London-based charity Maytree, which offers residential support for people who are experiencing suicidal feelings.
Other experience and qualifications:
BA in English Literature (Oxford University)
MPhil in American Literature (Cambridge University)
PhD in English and American Literature (Cambridge University)
I have worked for the Oxford English Dictionary for nearly ten years, defining words, and researching their histories. I have also worked for a charity supporting children who struggle with literacy for a range of reasons. I am passionate about the power of words and stories to create connection and communication.
Contact:
It takes courage to look for support. I encourage you to get in touch if you are interested in the possibility of working together.
Rates:
£70 for each 50 minute session
Sessions:
Psychotherapy sessions at Barnsbury Therapy Space:
Tuesday morning, Wednesday and Thursday evening
Directions to Barnsbury Therapy Space