Anna Murphy

I am a Humanistic therapist, which means I believe in your innate ability to think for yourself, to grow, develop and heal. I'm warm, authentic and sensitive, and I'll support you as you explore and bring about the changes you want to make.

Counselling can be hard work, and sometimes, you might feel sad, scared, angry or frustrated. We might also laugh, or talk about what brings you joy. I'll welcome you without judgment, whatever you wish to explore.

My training includes Person Centred Therapy, Gestalt and Transactional Analysis. I combine these three models so that I can offer therapy that's tailored to you. Often it's enough just to talk, to hear yourself out loud and be understood by someone else. If it's useful to you, we might sometimes work with creative techniques, like drawing or writing, or we might explore how you experience emotion in your body, as well as your mind.

We'll focus on whatever feels helpful for you. You might wish to explore how your history or childhood affects you now, and perhaps question old beliefs or patterns of behaviour. You might need compassionate support, or space to talk about what's happening for you right now.

I'll also be sensitive to any contextual issues you want to look at, whether they're day to day, existential, political or environmental.

At the start of our work, we'll talk about what you'd like to get from counselling. This might be something very specific or it may be more abstract. It's also fine if you don't know what you'd like to achieve, or don't want to work with any kind of goal in mind. I want to be as useful to you as possible, so from time to time, we'll take a look at how you feel our sessions are going.

I'll offer you a safe and confidential space. I bring my real self to our work and I'll be alongside you, to notice, reflect, listen, empathise and on occasion, gently challenge. I will meet you as a whole person; not only your struggles but all that you are.