Frances Elizabeth Courtney MSc (Family and Systemic Psychotherapy)

About me

I am trained in Systemic Family Psychotherapy and use this extensively within my practice. I integrate this with some CBT and a Humanistic approach. However, I tend to focus more on relationships, as our communications with others give the structure and meaning to our lives. I see explorations of dialogue as essential for developing our relationships with others and our conversations can be the context for change. Sometimes our family stories can be seen as problematic but they can also be a source of inspiration to find a way forward in our lives. If one element is changed in the way we communicate or behave, it can have an affect on the whole of a relationship. Change happens as part of the process of living, but being able to grow more positively within our relationships can reduce the conflict we can experience. Moving towards what we want for our future helps to provide a sense of wellbeing and balance. We all encounter challenges through life but we can develop ways to strengthen personal insight and resilience. Talking in different ways, with someone not directly involved, can enable fresh responses and reflections, helping appreciation and understanding of the choices we make.

I work with individuals, couples and families and have experience in a wide variety of contexts, working with addictions, depression, anxiety, trauma, loss and grief, abuse, bullying and the effects of physical illness, disability and also general mental health. I have specialised experience with children and couple communication.