Schole Therapy

My 7 year training in psychotherapy began at the New School of Psychotherapy and Counselling and Middlesex University, London where my Doctoral research was on pessimism. As a member of the Society of Existential Analysis, I have published articles on a range of subjects from philosophy to therapy. I also help run a philosophy online group as well having taught to foundation level students at the University.

My current interest in psychedelic therapy is leading me to seek post graduate studies in psychedelic healthcare at the University of Exeter, where psychedelic/psilocybin therapy is an approach being investigated for the treatment of mental health challenges such as the...

Reduction in:

• Long-held patterns of negative rumination
• Excessive self-focus
• Symptoms of obsessive compulsive disorder
• Depression, anxiety and addiction.

Increase in:

• Creative insights
• Mystical experiences
• Insightfulness
• Emotional awareness
• Increased empathy

Research suggests that clients’ psychotherapy preferences make a valuable  contribution to outcomes in therapy. It can be a good starting point for a genuine exchange about how you can get the most out of your therapy.

I recommend 4 main areas to reflect on as you consider your own therapeutic preferences.

Do you prefer for your therapist to:

Therapist Directiveness vs. Client Directiveness:-

Focus on specific goals or not?
Give structure to the therapy or allow it to be unstructured?
Teach you skills to deal with your problems or not?
Give you homework or not?
Take a lead in therapy or allow you to take the lead instead?

Emotional Intensity vs. Emotional Reserve:-

Encourage you to go into difficult emotions or not?
Focus on the therapy relationship or not?
Encourage you to express strong feelings or not?
Focus mainly on your feelings or thoughts?

Past Orientation vs Present Orientation:-

Focus on your life in the past or present?
Help you reflect on your childhood or on your adulthood?

Warm Support vs. Focused Challenge:-

Be gentle or challenging?
Supportive or confrontational?
Interrupt or keep you focused?
Support you unconditionally or challenge your behaviour if I think it’s wrong?

As an existential and philosophically trained psychotherapist, I believe therapy ought to be about pursuing truth and losing oneself in serious play whilst grappling with the meaning of your life.

My commitment will be to stand beside you and play an active part in the dialogue between us. I will aim to meet you in a place of "what do we know"? A question not seeking cure but care. My therapeutic stance is based on acceptance, willingness and stillness. I will invest in you and help address what possibilities about your life you are willing to explore. I will never intentionally move you into "better ways to be". I will engage in any concern you bring in a compassionate way underpinned with the psychological and philosophical ideas about the nature of being human.

It is widely accepted that the therapeutic effect is driven by the therapist and client relationship and to what levels of intensity and intimacy can be reached. My experience with the therapeutic relationship has been core to my work and my stance is not to approach your concern as a problem to be solved or eradicated, but instead to find a more adequate and courageous way to acknowledge and live with it in a way that is meaningful and purposeful to your life. 

All the best.

Zeb 

My fee is based on a sliding scale depending on your personal financial circumstances. 

I'm offering Monday evening times on a fortnightly basis only. 

I provide a comfortable, serene and safe space at my private practice in which to address any of your problems with living. I provide a full 60 minute session and will provide flexibility to frequency and timing of sessions, where necessary.