Louisa Harvey

As a queer, AuDHD relational therapist, I may be able to help if you are looking for psychotherapeutic work that gets to the depth, to the underneath of your experiences, but which does not reduce what happens 'out there' in the world to a matter of personal responsibility. I keep in tension the reality of the impact of systemic oppression and violences, of trauma and harm, as well as the possibility of loving, living, and connecting meaningfully in this life. 

Much of my work is with queer and neurodivergent clients and so I am attentive to the ways in which traditional approaches, including psychodynamic and psychoanalytic ones, have caused harm through oppressive, normative biases. I make use of psychodynamic ideas and thinking as tools in aiding our understanding of what troubles you, without drowning out the authorship of your own voice and knowing. 

Some of my work has been in a hospice setting where there is not something to fix, there is something that cannot be undone, and I think this is relevant to much of my therapeutic work. We are changed by what happens to us, such that it cannot be undone, and our work then is grief and mourning until we can begin to see the possibility of building something more. This cannot be rushed. This work is tender, gritty, raw, and often not to be done alone.

I have extensive experience of working with different issues, these have included, but are not limited to:

• dissatisfaction in relationships, wanting to understand your patterns in relationships better
• working out how to build a liveable life when the crises have passed 
• difficulties in living, hopelessness, suicidal thoughts
• dismantling internalised fatphobia
• learning how to let oneself take up space literally and metaphorically
• processing late diagnosed neurodivergence
• making life more accommodating to your ND needs
• questions around genders and sexualities, and/or LGBTQIA+ related issues
• needing a space to bring what troubles you however small or big

How can working with me help?

Clients have found that they know themselves better and develop a deeper appreciation for the ways they have coped, why that might be, and consequently report feeling they are better able to make decisions and choices in life in alignment with their values and needs. 

Clients have reported feeling more able to set limits, to have stopped saying yes to things they wish they could say no to, been more willing to honour their needs and desires, and have made adjustments to the ways they expect themselves to live that are at odds with their capacities.

What next?

First, trust your initial sense of whether I might seem like the kind of person you could work with. 

Second, if you think I might be, you are most welcome to book a free 15 minute call with me to discuss working together.

What happens in the 15 minute calls?

It's a space for you to ask questions you may have. I will also ask whether you are looking for in-person or online sessions, whether you are wanting time-limited short term sessions or open-ended/longer-term therapy, and I will ask you to briefly tell me what you are seeking help for.

And then?

If I have the experience I think you need and you have a feeling that you'd like to take this further, we would book two 50 minute sessions, usually one week apart, where we would meet to understand in more detail a bit about your life so far, what you need help with, what has been helpful and unhelpful before, etc. We would decide together in the second session whether to commit to working together and for how long/open-ended.

There is no qualifier for being deserving of help. You are welcome to be in touch.

If it feels right (enough) do get in touch; I would be happy to hear from you.

I also offer consultation for clients harmed in therapy https://psychodynamictherapybirmingham.co.uk/harm-in-therapy-consultation/

Very limited availability, please enquire for upcoming openings.

Invoiced monthly and payment can be made by cash or bank transfer.

I work in person from Moseley, Birmingham, and online.

I charge £80 per 50 minute session.

I offer limited concessionary places but these are currently full and will be advertised when available.

• I am a cis, queer therapist who is affirming of all LGBTQIA+ identities
• Committed to an active anti-racism position as part of anti-oppressive practice and knowing that this work is lifelong. I am in spaces where I can be accountable to peers for this work.
• I invest in and prioritise regular supervision   
• Member of Feminist Therapy Network and Therapists Against Conversion Therapy and Transphobia (TACTT)
• Undertake regular CPD
• Enhanced DBS and on the update service
• Knowledge of psychiatric services, NHS secondary services
• AuDHD therapist, affirming of the neurodiversity paradigm

When I have availability, I also offer consultation for clients harmed in therapy, or those who wonder if their therapy (past or present) is harmful. More information here: https://psychodynamictherapybirmingham.co.uk/harm-in-therapy-consultation/