Are you...
. . . struggling to come to terms with a bereavement?
. . . suffering from anxiety or feeling low?
. . . experiencing a big change (e.g. illness, retirement, divorce)?
. . . having difficulties with family or in a relationship?
Perhaps there's no time to stop.., breathe.., look around..., reflect on or absorb what's going on in your life...
No space to pause...., gather yourself together in one place... and start to make sense of things.
Maybe you've been soldiering on for a long time whilst, underneath, feeling anxious, unhappy, unsure what to do or who to turn to. Talking things through with your friends or family can often be all that's needed, but sometimes that may not be easy. This is when meeting with a professional, someone from outside your social group and family, can help. It brings a fresh perspective and insight to whatever is troubling you, whether something recent has upset you or you've been feeling unhappy or anxious for some time.
I'm a UKCP Registered Integrative psychotherapist and graduate member of the British Psychological Society (mBPS) with over 14 years experience as a psychotherapist- see About Me.
I believe we all have far more inner resources than we realise and that the experience of feeling listened to and understood, can help tap into those hidden strengths, enabling us to find our best way forward.
Therapy sessions offer a dedicated time and space where you can talk in confidence, will be listened to without judgment and taken seriously. It's an opportunity to slow down and talk through what is on your mind, as well as to step back, take stock and reflect on the bigger picture of your life thus far. This can really shine light on the underlying sources and causes of any difficulties experienced now. Our past and present are intricately linked. Coping behaviours we learnt as children (e.g. not to show distress) can follow us, unawares, into adulthood, where they become repetitive patterns that limit relationships, cause anxiety etc. Self reflection and developing self awareness is a key element in therapy, it's how you'll regain equilibrium and see your way ahead more clearly.
'Be yourself, everyone else is already taken' Oscar Wilde
My Approach
We're all unique and shaped by our particular life history, so I tailor how I work in response to each individual. Providing a safe ground for you to stand on I offer both support and challenge:
- I'll encourage you to approach yourself with curiosity and compassion (not self criticism) and to reflect on your life.
- Draw your attention to the different ways you experience and make sense of your life – physical, emotional, cognitive, psychological, spiritual. This can reveal aspects of your self you may have overlooked or been unaware of. Greater self awareness builds confidence.
- Share my reflections and thoughts to offer a fresh perspective.
- Suggest strategies to use in daily life to support you (e.g. to help reduce anxiety). I also bring mindfulness techniques into my work.
Experience
Over the last 14 years I've worked with people bringing a wide range of concerns, including:
anxiety, panic attacks, depression, bereavement & loss, family & relationship difficulties, low self-esteem, infertility and IVF, unresolved issues from the past, trauma, identity issues, work-related problems and pressures, life transitions (e.g. ageing, retirement), long term illness or life changing injuries, carers, student concerns (e.g. exam stress & worry), eating disorders, sexuality, isolation and loneliness, suicidal thinking.
I'm also experienced in working long-term with trainee psychotherapists, counselling psychologists and counsellors from training institutions across London.
Bereavement Counsellor
I worked as an NHS Hospice bereavement counsellor for over 5 years and am very experienced in this kind of counselling. I received extra training at the hospice and am particularly skilled and attuned to working with bereavement and grief. This includes traumatic losses such as sudden deaths, accidents, suicide, the death of a child. Please visit Bereavement Counselling for more information.
Psychotherapy & Counselling in Holborn and online
I offer sessions online (Zoom) and face to face. My base is in Holborn (close to Holborn tube), nearby Russell Square and Covent Garden is easily reached by public transport from most areas of London.
You can find me listed on the following professionally accredited websites:
UKCP Register - Maggie Jamieson
Counselling Directory
Society for Existential Analysis
Linkedin
Psychotherapy and Counselling in Central London WC1
UKCP Registered Psychotherapist in Holborn, Central London WC1
