Psychotherapy & Consultation

My approach

For me, psychotherapy begins with listening: making space to speak safely about pain, worries and experiences that may be difficult to express elsewhere. Before interpreting or suggesting a solution, I try to understand a person’s experience and work with them towards a clearer picture of the difficulty.

My perspective and practice have been shaped by my training with Dr. Mokri. This began with study several years ago and has continued over the past year through direct supervision and clinical case discussions. The process-based approach I learned in this setting is central to how I think about therapy. I also completed cognitive behavioural therapy training with Dr. Hassan Hamidpour and draw on its principles and methods in clinical work.

A process-based approach attends not only to symptoms and possible diagnoses, but also to the mechanisms that shape or maintain a difficulty in an individual’s life: avoiding difficult situations, becoming caught up in thoughts, or ways of responding to emotions. The aim is to understand how these processes interact and choose interventions suited to that person’s circumstances and goals. This framework draws on research into processes of change and therapeutic methods; its scientific evaluation continues.

To illustrate this approach, consider a hypothetical example: someone avoids social situations because they fear being judged. Withdrawing may reduce anxiety in the short term, while also limiting opportunities for new experiences. In therapy, we first explore this pattern and what it means to the person. Depending on the assessment and their readiness, we may then work on their expectations of others’ judgments, how they respond to anxiety, and gradually approaching difficult situations. The course of therapy is reviewed in light of their experiences and changes. This example is not a fixed prescription for everyone.

Scientific evidence is my main criterion for choosing and evaluating interventions. A therapist’s impressions and experience should be considered alongside research findings, the client’s circumstances and their preferences. Cognitive behavioural therapy has been extensively studied. For example, a meta-analysis of 409 trials found it effective for depression compared with control conditions. This evidence does not mean that everyone will have the same outcome.

The therapeutic relationship is an essential part of this work. Research links the quality of collaboration and connection between client and therapist with therapy outcomes. Careful listening, respect for a person’s experience, and agreement on goals and the course of sessions therefore have an important place in my practice.

As sessions progress, I try to connect the understanding we develop with changes that can be examined in daily life: in responses to thoughts and emotions, behaviour, or relationships. The aim is to reduce distress and difficulties while moving towards the goals we identify together.

The client’s financial circumstances matter to me too. Fees and payment arrangements are clarified before sessions begin, and financial limitations can be discussed. Where possible, and within my working capacity, I try to help find a sustainable arrangement that takes account of both the client’s circumstances and the time and commitment needed for therapy.

Arrangements for beginning sessions, and conversations about my approach and fees, take place on Telegram or by email.