07504 932257 | 
ERENE@THERAPY-LEEDS.CO.UK
The final theme in my book covers how to promote empowerment in psychotherapy with survivors of sexual violence. This is especially important given that sexual violence is inherently disempowering as automatic survival responses come to life as fight, fight, or freeze in the moment. Afterwards these responses may keep happening, alongside a wider society that […]
Vicarious Trauma
From inconsistent sleep to physical pain, it is common for therapists to experience stress responses when working with survivors of sexual violence. Part of our roles include looking after ourselves in service of taking care of clients, as we manage the impact of trauma together. In a new blog on PESI (Psychotherapy Excellence) I […]
How do we talk about experiences of abuse?
Abuse is a cognitive, emotional, and somatic process. As such, talking about abuse is a cognitive, emotional, and somatic process. Sometimes it spills out in an urgent way. Sometimes it’s slow and takes time. There can be vivid memories, flashbacks, nightmares, and physical sensations. These are the mind and body re-telling the story in a […]
I’m A Social Impact Star Award Nominee
Around a fortnight ago I received an e-mail from a network called Inspiring Women Changemakers to let me know I had been put forward by two of its members for an award. I spent a fair part of the following hour getting my head around the news, which was such a surprise. The timing marks […]
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, […]
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 […]
Enhancing Empowerment with Survivors of Sexual Violence
A note on language: the terms ‘sexual violence’, and ‘sexual abuse’ are used interchangeably in this blog. They are intended to reflect the wide range of ways that a person can be affected by non-consensual sexual contact. By its very nature, sexual abuse forces individuals to inhabit smaller spaces within themselves, their relationships, and the […]
A Response to Weinstein’s Lawyer
Trigger warning: several versions of sexual violence discussed in some detail. A note on language: the range of words used to refer to different types of sexual violence are used interchangeably to denote the many ways someone can experience it. ‘Asked whether she had herself ever been sexually assaulted, she replied, to the astonishment of […]
Psychotherapists and Counsellors: Do You Work With Survivors of Sexual Violence Pre-Trial?
‘Pre-trial therapy’ is the term given to survivors of sexual violence in the UK that have reported to the Police about their experiences, and are making use of talking therapy at the same time. This includes being at any stage of the criminal justice system from reporting, to investigations, to a trial. This term is […]
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 […]