Oliver Backhouse

Increasingly, we lead stressful and pressured lives and this inevitably affects our mood, our relationships and thus our productivity, creativity and ability to cope.

Talking to family and friends can help of course, but there's nothing quite like an objective view from someone independent and qualified to help.

Whether you have a specific problem to resolve, a deep-seated or complex emotional issue or a general sense of dissatisfaction in life for no apparent reason, counselling and psychotherapy could help you find clarity, understanding and relief, as well as a way to realise your potential.

Some may see therapy as a scary prospect, but don't be put off. The pace of sessions is dictated by you; it can be thought of as a forum for venting some of life's frustrations or for resolving more fundamental emotional issues. It can deal with long term needs or simply day-to-day ones that require greater understanding. Sessions can be short term or ongoing. The choice is yours.

Counselling and Psychotherapy are sometimes called talking therapies, and therefore most of the time the therapy sessions will feel like a good conversation with the normal questions, responses and stories but with the added benefit of good listening. Each session is personalised to match your explicit and implicit needs.

There could be many different reasons for seeking therapy. The following list are a few examples; relationship issues, dealing with anxiety attacks, overcoming low self esteem, handling workplace stress management, increasing confidence levels, overcoming abuse, coping with frustration and 'feeling stuck', beating isolation and loneliness, dealing with loss of identity and direction.

Sessions take place at my consultation room at 1/19 Cranley Place, London SW7 3AE.

Relationship issues.

Our sense of identity and self-worth often rests on the strength of our relationships and we may despair when they fail. Our ways of relating are learned at a young age in the family in which we grew up and we can become stuck in unhealthy habits that restrict our lives.

Under pressure we often revert to familiar patterns. Self-respect and liking oneself are the most important ingredients for any good relationship. Therapy can offer the chance to examine our patterns of interacting with those around us to allow us to lead healthier and happier lives.

Managing conflict is one of the corner stones to improving relationships. Learning the skills to negotiate and communicate better can allow unhealthy patterns to change. Understanding the value of self-esteem can help address difficult issues with the greatest chance of success.

An initial interview and subsequent sessions will last 55 minutes charged at £130.00 per session (Couples sessions will be charged at £170.00 per session). In order to provide a framework for the work, sessions will be weekly and scheduled for a regular day and time. I do understand that sometimes flexibility is required and in these instances I try my hardest to offer alternatives where my diary allows. Missed or cancelled sessions will however be charged in full.

I also offer 1 hour 25 minute sessions for 50% more.

Payment can be made by cheque or cash, I'm afraid I don't have card facilities and a receipt will be given if requested.

What happens?

The most important dynamic is psychotherapeutic work is the relationship between client and therapist and I very much see the initial session as an interview giving us both a chance to decide if we want to work together. This will involve me getting a picture of your situation, your reasons for making the appointment along with various other information such as GP's details, in accordance with BACP guidelines.

Within a day or so after the first session I would ask you to confirm whether you wish to return the following week, or alternatively you might want to ask for some recommendations of other therapists you might wish to investigate.