Pete Tobias

“We are born in relationship, we grow in relationship, we are wounded in relationship and we are healed in relationship.” – Harville Hendrix.

The human experience (with all its joys, pleasures, pain, and loss) are rooted in the relationship we have with ourselves, others and the world we live in. From our earliest moments on Earth we witness, learn, and grow in and through the relationships we witness and form. Relationships are the source of most of our human struggles, and can also be a powerful tool to help us process, heal and grow.

The healing power of relationship is at the core of my practice as a therapist. Time and time again, research has demonstrated that one factor – more than any other – is associated with successful treatment outcomes. This is the quality of the relationship between the therapist and the client. That is why my approach is to work relationally and integratively. The aim is for us to work together to explore the thoughts, feelings, beliefs and behaviours that are negatively impacting on your well-being.

Working relationally means engaging in the emergent here-and-now relationship between us. It’s about being present as a human being first, because your mental health struggles are human struggles. Together, we can create a comfortable and safe space within which we can untangle and process the difficulties and challenges life throws at you. I will be fully present without trying to shift your perspective or judge your experiences. Therapy is a collaborative, non-directive, and non-judgemental journey.

Working integratively means that I draw upon a variety of approaches based on your unique needs because as humans we are diverse and complex beings. There is therefore not one singular approach that is clinically adequate for all clients and situations. Within this flexible and personalised approach to treatment, you can expect the following from our sessions:

• Mutual trust, respect and confidentiality;
• Shared decision-making and agreement on the goals of therapy;
• The freedom to share any negative emotional responses, thoughts and feelings;
• Co-constructing a space within which you feel comfortable and able to share and experience difficult emotions;
• Empathic support in undoing self-criticism, as well as challenging, and changing behaviours;
• A caring space within which we can explore difficult, traumatic and painful relationships, feelings or events;
• Knowledge and expertise that can help regulate, mitigate, and alleviate physical trauma responses within your body.

I have worked with a diverse range of clients and specialise in working with difficulties such as:

• Traumatic experiences or events
• Relationships
• Anxiety
• Loss and grief
• Depression
• Stress

FIRST SESSION INFORMATION

It is completely natural to feel a sense of apprehension, fear, anxiety, or discomfort before starting therapy. Our first session will be an opportunity for you to ask any questions you may have about the process and my way of working. It will also be an opportunity for you to share some of the struggles or difficulties that you want to explore. This will help us set goals, expectations, and help us create our roadmap toward growth and healing.

Importantly, the first session is your opportunity to get a sense of whether or not you are comfortable in undertaking this journey with me as your therapist. You should feel at ease going on this journey of growth and self-discovery with someone you can grow to trust.

Therapy can be short-term or long-term depending on your needs. All sessions are 50 minutes and conducted online or in my therapy room located in South East London (London Bridge/ Borough).

• Working with survivors of sexual abuse and sexual trauma
• Working with neurodivergent clients

Please get in touch to discuss.