Erika Lawal

There's a first time for everything. Most newcomers to counselling & psychotherapy start out feeling a little intimidated by the idea of this rather mysterious process. I aim to demystify what I do - clients often comment on what they describe as a down-to-earth and accessible approach. My aim is ultimately to help you understand yourself and your behaviour. I feel that goal is best achieved by working in a non-threatening, straightforward and inclusive way.

The Practice
Based within easy reach of Ashford, Folkestone, Canterbury & Dover, I have developed a practice which is the product of 25+ years' experience of person-to-person work in statutory, voluntary and commercial organisations as well as in private practice.

My practice, The Therapy Hour offers a range of psychotherapy, counselling, coaching, supervision and consultancy services, from telephone, online and face-to-face individual counselling, to work with couples, groups and organisations.

Derived from an integrative approach to psychotherapy and counselling, my aim is to shape my practice and methodology to the unique needs of each client, rather than attempting to shoehorn people into a pre-determined way of working. The formulation of an individual package based on feedback from the most recent research starts from the very first moment you contact me, when I begin assessing what you might require.

Integral to my work is the need to practise in the context of a real world outside the therapy room. I work with an awareness of the importance of identity and culture in helping to shape a sense of self and therefore welcome the opportunity help clients explore issues relevant to women, Black people, people with disabilities, lesbians, bisexual, gay and transgendered people.

Whether you are interested in working with me as a private individual or as an organisation, your first point of contact will usually be an email. I'll ask you to complete an assessment form with a view to establishing whether I am the right person to work with you. If I am are unable to help, I will do my best to refer you to a practitioner or service that can.

If I think I am able to provide the kind of service you are looking for, I will invite you to an assessment or consultancy session. This is not normally a session for which I charge.


Assessment
I regard your initial assessment session as an opportunity for us both to assess whether counselling or therapy is something from which you would benefit, and if so, in what form.

At the end of the assessment, I will offer some preliminary feedback about what I have observed during the session, and will advise you as to whether or not I believe therapy would be beneficial. Many clients who are deemed suitable wish to make an appointment to begin work there and then, while others prefer to go away and think about it. I'm more than happy that you should do this - in fact I encourage you to visit more than one potential therapist before making a firm commitment, since your relationship with your therapist will be the most important element in the potential success or failure of the work you undertake.

Working Together
I would normally expect you to commit to an initial 6 sessions of work, usually (although not always) occurring once weekly. I find this often proves sufficient for those bringing relatively simple issues. For others, the six sessions offers a time-limited introduction to counselling and therapy, during which period I am able to assess needs and preferred style of working in more detail. For such clients, the review which takes place at the end of the initial period allows them to examine what they have achieved thus far and to consider what remains to be worked on. If we decide to continue, we will formulate a plan for continued work, usually in an open-ended contract

Supervision
As a UKCP-accredited supervisor, I offer both clinical and non-clinical supervision to individual practitioners, groups and teams. I have extensive experience of working with counsellors and therapists in training, as well as those of are fully qualified. My supervision style one in which I will take on various roles: consultant, counsellor or teacher as required, providing a framework in which reflective practice is paramount, all with an overview which takes account of the complex, diverse world in which we live.

BodyMind Walk & Talk (Nordic Walking)
Yoga for the Mind

Private Individuals & Couples - £70.00 - 50 minutes (Some reduced-cost spaces when available). EMDR therapy is £110 for a 90-minute session.

Individual Supervision - £75.00 - 60 minutes, £110 for 90 minutes. Reduced costs for trainees on request.

Organisational Supervision - £75.00 - 60 minutes

Organisational Consultancy and Training - Prices on request