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Psychotherapy

What is psychotherapy?

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Psychotherapy is a collaborative process that helps individuals explore thoughts, emotions, and behaviors in a safe, supportive environment. It aims to bring insight, healing, and lasting change by addressing underlying patterns that influence mental health and well-being.​

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Psychotherapy focuses on understanding the root causes of emotional distress and behavioral challenges. It goes beyond symptom management, working at a deeper level to uncover unconscious processes, past experiences, and relational dynamics that shape how we think and feel today.

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Through regular sessions, psychotherapy provides space to:
 

  • Explore unresolved issues and emotional pain.

  • Understand patterns in relationships and self-perception.

  • Develop healthier coping strategies and emotional resilience.

  • Foster personal growth and self-awareness.

Who can psychotherapy benefit?

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Psychotherapy can support anyone experiencing:
 

  • Anxiety, depression, or persistent low mood.

  • Relationship difficulties or attachment issues.

  • Trauma or unresolved childhood experiences.

  • Stress, burnout, or life transitions.

  • A desire for deeper self-understanding and personal development.

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How does it work?

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Sessions typically involve open dialogue with a trained psychotherapist who listens without judgement and helps you explore your inner world. Techniques may include:

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  • Talking therapy approaches (e.g., psychodynamic, integrative).

  • Exploration of unconscious patterns and emotional responses.

  • Reflective exercises to build insight and clarity.

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The process is tailored to your needs and moves at a pace that feels right for you.

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Counselling vs. Psychotherapy: What’s the Difference?

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While counselling and psychotherapy share similarities, they differ in depth and focus:

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  • Counselling often addresses specific issues or life challenges, providing practical support and coping strategies. It tends to be shorter-term and solution-focused.

  • Psychotherapy works at a deeper level, exploring underlying causes of distress and long-standing patterns. It is usually longer-term and aims for profound personal change.

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Both approaches can be highly effective, and the choice depends on your goals and needs.

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Integrative Psychotherapy

 

Integrative psychotherapy combines techniques from different therapeutic models to create a flexible, tailored approach. Rather than adhering to one method, it draws on the most effective elements of various schools of thought—such as humanistic, psychodynamic, and cognitive-behavioral approaches—to meet your unique needs. This adaptability ensures therapy evolves with you, addressing both immediate concerns and deeper patterns.

 

Psychodynamic Psychotherapy

 

Psychodynamic therapy focuses on uncovering unconscious thoughts and feelings that influence current behavior. It explores early life experiences, attachment patterns, and relational dynamics to help you understand how the past shapes the present. By bringing these insights into awareness, psychodynamic work fosters profound emotional growth and long-term change.

 

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

 

CBT is a structured, goal-oriented approach that helps you identify and challenge unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors. It emphasizes practical strategies for managing symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and stress. CBT is evidence-based and often short-term, making it highly effective for those seeking clear tools and coping techniques.

Who will I see?

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Fiona Herbert is a systemic psychotherapist and social worker, and works at Hartwood Health alongside NHS work.

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Fiona provides individual, couple and family therapy to adults, adolescents and children over the age of 8.

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How do I get started?

 

Fiona offers free appointments of 15-30 minutes during which you can discuss what you feel might be amenable to psychotherapy.​

 

There is no commitment at this stage to future consultation, but it is a valuable step in ensuring that you make the right fit.

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What to Expect in Your First Session

 

Your first psychotherapy session is an opportunity to get to know your therapist and discuss what brings you to therapy. You’ll explore:

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  • Your reasons for seeking support and what you hope to achieve.

  • Your personal history and any relevant life experiences.

  • Practical details such as session structure and confidentiality.
     

This initial meeting is about building trust and creating a safe space. There’s no pressure to share everything at once—therapy moves at your pace.

 

Together, you and your therapist will agree on a plan that feels right for you.​

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