Lisa Sweet

I am an experienced therapist working in private practice.  I have over 20 years experience working in Psychological therapy departments in the NHS providing therapy, previously working for 16 of these as a Clinical Psychologist. More recently I trained as and now work as a Psychoanalytic Psychotherapist.

Therapy aims to offer a space for a person to talk and think about themselves and their problems.  Sometimes people have an idea about the nature of their difficulties, others are less sure.  Talking with a therapist can help them to discover and make sense of themselves and what is leaving them feeling stuck, lost, anxious, unhappy or overwhelmed. Therapy can help people look at themselves and things in a different way, resolving problems that have placed a great deal of strain on their lives.  This can enable people to make decisions for change.

Short term therapy is often related to issues such as experiencing a sudden life crisis like a bereavement, losing your job, or becoming physically unwell.

Sometimes current issues can stir up feelings from the past, many of which we are not aware of, but which get in the way of us living fulfilled lives. People may have suffered varying forms of difficulties in their childhoods which continue to cause them pain and distress as adults.  People can feel they are not 'themselves', or overwhelmed with anxiety that inhibits their ability to live their lives how they really want to.  Other people may feel consumed with depression, living in a dark and unhappy state.   People may feel stuck in unhappy relationships, not feeling able to make changes or resolve issues.  People can develop behaviours or strategies to cope with their difficulties that seem to work in the short term, but which turn out to be unhelpful in the long run.  As problems build, the thoughts and feelings can feel increasingly worse.  Therapy or counselling offers a place to explore difficult feelings with someone who is trained neither to judge nor advise you, but to explore and unlock feelings which may have been hidden for years.

Areas of therapy I deal with include: Feelings of emptiness, sadness or depression (including bipolar and manic depression).  Feelings of anxiety, panic attacks or unable to concentrate. Low self esteem or lack of self belief or low confidence. Difficulties in making or sustaining relationships or repeatedly becoming involved in destructive, unsatisfying relationships. Long term difficulties following losses such as bereavement, divorce or job loss. Sleep problems, eating disorders, struggles with physical health difficulties, child related issues, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), work related issues. Midlife difficulties, or struggling with issues relating to becoming older.

I offer daytime appointments.