Owen Newman

When we're trying to cope with situations and experiences that are difficult for us, it's easy to find ourselves reacting in ways we don't like or want but can't seem to stop or change.

My name is Owen Newman. I'm an accredited counsellor and psychotherapist experienced at helping to work through problems with anxiety, stress and depression, change unwanted habits or behaviours and navigate pressures and conflicts affecting you, your relationships or your work life.

My approach is to provide a confidential, non-judgemental space where we can talk through your experiences to gain clarity and insight, and develop a plan of manageable steps you can take to deal with problems in a way that brings you genuine change.

I specialise in a combination of therapeutic approaches: Rational Emotive Behavioural Therapy (REBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Therapy (CT) and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.

These are practical, evidence-based approaches in the tradition of cognitive behavioural counselling and psychotherapy (CBT) with a focus on helping you take consistent steps towards positive change and remain resilient at difficult times. I work in an integrative way, adapting these approaches to suit your individual needs and preferences.

If you are experiencing any of the following issues, please call me on 07956 283 702 for a confidential conversation about how I can help you or email me at owen@owennewman.co.uk:

Problems with anxiety
Persistent worrying, uneasiness or fear that can be difficult to stop or control. This may be a general feeling or connected to particular issues, for example: the prospect of having a serious health condition; feeling very uncomfortable or vulnerable in certain situations with other people at work, in public, socially or in relationships; feeling overwhelmed with work or studies; insomnia or disrupted sleep and worrying about sleep; experiencing uncomfortable physical symptoms in certain situations or having a panic attack. 

Low mood and depression
Persistent or recurring periods of feeling low or sad and withdrawn. Dwelling on and finding it hard to come to terms with mistakes, failings, regrets, disappointments, rejection, loss or being badly treated. Loss of interest or pleasure in previously enjoyable activities. Feeling isolated or having difficulty relating to others. Lacking energy and motivation. Difficulty concentrating. Feeling empty or numb. Lacking a sense of meaning, purpose or direction. Feeling hopeless or helpless. Recurring thoughts about hurting yourself or suicide. 

Relationship problems
Tending to get caught up in patterns of communication that increase conflict, distress or barriers. Problems relating to expectations not being met or reconciling differences in attitudes and values. Commitment issues. Not feeling supported or understood. Trust issues. Issues around sex and intimacy. Difficulty starting or maintaining relationships. Dealing with the break up or end of a relationship. 

Difficulty managing frustration or anger 
Finding it difficult not to get caught up in frustration or anger and ruminating or feeling resentful, for example, because you think others have behaved wrongly, you have been treated badly or inconsiderately, you have not been listened to or acknowledged, you have been unfairly judged or criticised, or you have been blocked or obstructed in some way.

Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
A recurring cycle of intrusive and disturbing thoughts or feelings leading to persistent worrying, ruminating, self-doubt, uncertainty and anxiety leading to an urge to get relief by repeatedly doing a particular activity or habit (a process you go through in your mind or something you physically do). This may bring short-term relief but does not work to stop the cycle in the long term.

Problems with work-related stress
Work negatively impacting your health, well-being or relationships. Continually feeling overwhelmed because of the demands of work. Continually ruminating, worrying or catastrophising about work-related issues. Difficulty concentrating. Problems sleeping or relaxing. Experiencing mood swings or emotional outbursts. Losing confidence in yourself or your abilities. Relying on alcohol or drugs or engaging in unhealthy compulsive behaviours to help you cope. Persistent low mood or lack of motivation. 

Difficulty being assertive or dealing with confrontation
Difficulty communicating or asserting your needs or opinions, for example, avoiding confrontation or not speaking up or standing up for yourself even if it means your needs being overlooked. Difficulty saying 'no' and tending to put others first although it has a negative impact on you. Getting caught up in patterns of communication that increase conflict or barriers, for example, becoming defensive, accusing, blaming, ignoring or refusing to talk or participate. 

Low self-esteem or self-confidence problems
Tending to see yourself in ways that have a negative impact on you, your relationships or your work life, for example, tending to feel that you are not good enough, denigrate yourself, negatively compare yourself to others or feel that others are negatively judging you. Frequently seeking reassurance or approval to maintain self-worth. Having unhelpful perfectionistic tendencies or tending to overcompensate. Avoiding situations because of a lack of confidence or because you may be negatively judged.

Problems with motivation or procrastination
Difficulty finding the motivation to do things you need or want to do, start or sustain new habits and routines or give up habits that are having a negative impact on you. Habitually putting off starting a task or piece of work and/or becoming easily distracted while doing it and/or delaying finishing it despite knowing that doing so will have negative consequences.

Booking an appointment

If you would like to have a preliminary conversation to discuss your situation before booking a session, call me any time or let me know when you are available and we can arrange a time for a phone call.

To book an appointment for an initial session at my practice or via webcam, just let me know when you are available and I will arrange a time.

I'm available at different times every day including evenings and weekends. I always aim to offer quick appointments and to be flexible about arranging times that suit your schedule. 

For more details, please call me on 07956 283 702, email me at owen@owennewman.co.uk or visit my website at www.owennewman. co.uk.

£60 per session at my practice in Finchley Road, West Hampstead NW3 or online via webcam. Phone sessions are also possible. Sessions are 55 minutes.

For a free initial conversation to discuss your situation, call me any time or let me know when you are available and we can arrange a time for a phone call.