Abigail Graves

Hi, I'm Abi. Thank you for taking the time to visit my profile. I know that seeking therapy and finding the right therapist for you can be daunting, so I hope that the following information will help you to consider whether you would like to work with me.

I'm an experienced psychotherapist and I'm passionate about offering individuals safety, warmth and empathy in order for you to be able to work through the difficulties and painful emotions you may be experiencing. You may feel stuck in life and unsure of how to move past the barriers you are facing, which may be emotions, thoughts, behaviours or relationships. Psychotherapy can be really beneficial in working through these experiences.

I have experience in working with a broad range of issues such as:

·         anxiety

·         depression

·         childhood trauma

·         low self-esteem

·         relationship difficulties

·         work related stress

·         experience of trauma or abuse

·         spiritual and religious trauma

·         …and more

I predominately work in a long-term way, meaning that together with the client we have time to work through the layers of your experience and recognise that change takes time and cannot be forced or rushed. However, I also offer time limited work if that would be more suited to your needs and I would be happy to discuss this with you.

My approach as an Integrative psychotherapist means I will support you to understand your present day experiences within the context of your whole life, as our ways of 'being' are shaped and developed right from our very early experiences. This often means that the root of our difficulties is beyond our conscious awareness and clients can benefit from support to explore and understand why they might feel stuck in the way they do.

Another important element of my approach is that I am relational. This means that I am not a detached 'expert' in the relationship with the client, but rather I meet you as human to human and seek to provide a collaborative experience as we work through your difficulties together. In developing an attachment between therapist and client, often we can see relational difficulties play out in the room together, and this gives us a real or 'live' experience through which to work through things differently.

If you are interested in working with me, I would be happy to have a chat with you to see about working together and to book in an initial assessment. At the initial assessment, you will have an opportunity to talk about what brings you to therapy and what you hope to get from it, as well as getting a sense of me and my way of working, and whether this is right for you.

I offer in person work based in Belper, as well as online work via zoom. The therapy rooms I work from are warm and welcoming spaces, as I recognise the importance of feeling safe within the environment that therapy takes place in. The location is accessible via public transport, within walking distance of Belper town centre and there is on street parking available.

If you're considering taking the plunge and starting therapy, I would really encourage you to do so. It can be a life changing experience and one that I would love to join you on!

My fees are £55 per session. I offer a free 15 minute telephone consultation if you are unsure if you would like to commit to an initial session with me. I am also happy to discuss your needs and answer any questions you might have about therapy via email or text.