Relationships & Self-Worth
What brings you to therapy?
You might notice:
Saying yes when you want to say no, then feeling resentful or exhausted.
Worrying that expressing your needs will disappoint people or push them away.
Taking criticism or changes in someone’s mood as a sign that you have done something wrong.
Wanting closeness but finding it difficult to trust people or let yourself be known.
Feeling that you need to be useful, agreeable, or successful to be valued.
These difficulties may show up with partners, family, friends, or colleagues. I offer individual therapy for adults who want to explore how they relate to others and themse
When keeping the peace comes at a cost
You may be good at noticing what other people need while finding it harder to recognise your own preferences. Perhaps you avoid disagreements, explain yourself repeatedly, or pull away when you feel hurt.
We can explore what makes these situations difficult, what you fear might happen if you respond differently, and whether there is room for your needs in your relationships.
How we might work together
We begin with the situations that are troubling you now. Together, we look at what happens in those moments: what you feel, what you expect from the other person, and how you respond.
Our work may include understanding self-criticism, practising more direct ways to express yourself, and exploring the discomfort that comes with setting boundaries or accepting support. We also consider how people are treating you and what changes you may need in your current relationships.
My approach draws on an understanding of attachment, alongside Ego State Therapy, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, and EMDR Therapy where appropriate. Earlier experiences may be relevant, but we do not need to assume that every relationship difficulty began in childhood.
What we might work towards
Your goals might include:
Expressing needs and preferences with less guilt or over-explaining.
Responding to disagreement without immediately blaming yourself or withdrawing.
Making decisions with greater trust in your own judgement.
Recognising which relationships allow for mutual care, respect, and room to be yourself.
We will identify what meaningful change would look like in your relationships and daily life, and review those goals together.