07504 932257 | 
ERENE@THERAPY-LEEDS.CO.UK
Although all counsellors and psychotherapists are ethically required to act in a non-discriminatory way, this isn’t enough to fully meet the hugely diverse needs of the LGBT+ community. There is much more that needs to be done to not only welcome and support, but affirm, each LGBT+ person we meet. Here are some ways I […]
Making Changes In Psychotherapy
My working experience has taught me that people want two things from seeing a Psychotherapist. These are a private space to speak freely and be heard, and a sense of moving forward rather than being stuck. These point to the underlying elements of the process which is the working relationship, and the co-created space, between […]
Introducing Myself Online
Whilst we’re all behind screens more than ever during lockdown, I thought it might be helpful to introduce myself. My name is Erene, and I’m an Integrative Psychotherapist. I have worked with adult clients for ten years so far, including setting up two community-based services between 2014 and 2018. I am also a writer, and speaker, […]
Mental Health Awareness Week: Busting Myths About Asking for Support
For MHAW I’d like to bust some myths about psychotherapy, so that people feel more able to access support for their mental health in this way. Here are five myths I hear a lot about psychotherapy: ‘You have to go to therapy for years to make any progress’ Not true at all. Some types of […]
Online & Phone Psychotherapy
I don’t believe that authentic, therapeutic connection online or by phone is impossible. In practice it can actually highlight nuances that are full of important information such as tone of voice, specific words, and enhanced facial expressions. These can ensure that people are fully heard, and responded to in psychotherapy. It is also hugely important […]
Accessing Mental Health Services: Why This Matters More Than Ever During the Covid-19 Crisis
Accessibility to mental health services is an important topic right now. I have thought, spoken, and written about accessibility to mental health services throughout my career. This takes on a particular meaning during this Covid-19 crisis, especially as accessibility isn’t just about being able to afford or access a funded service. It’s also about it […]
Call for Survivors of Sexual Violence: Do You Want to Share Your Experiences?
Every Psychotherapist, and Counsellor will work with survivors of sexual violence. My belief is that these professionals should be influenced by survivors, so that we can better meet their needs in our work. Currently I’m in the process of writing a professional textbook on this subject (due 2021) which will enable trainee/qualified Psychotherapists, and Counsellors who […]
The Climate Crisis in Psychotherapy
People generally imagine a Psychotherapist or Counsellor as someone who sits quietly. This might involve them being silent for long periods of time, as they take in whatever their client is bringing that week. Often, this imagined idea translates into one of the myths I hear most often when I tell people what my job […]
How Many Appointments Will I Need?
One question that almost always gets asked when I meet a new client is ‘How many appointments will I need?’. There are lots of different motivations for asking this question all rooted in the emotions of starting counselling or psychotherapy, such as anxiety, uncertainty, and urgency. It can also be a practical question as working with […]
Queering Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy and counselling are supposed to provide a safe space for people to explore what they really think and feel, especially around the things they struggle with. But what if this isn’t as easy as it sounds? My experience in working with people who identify under the LGBTQIA+ umbrella is that they have to choose […]