Welcome to
Psychotherapy - Why? in Oxford
An investment for life
PSYCHOTHERAPY IN OXFORD & ONLINE
My name is Elizabeth Brennan, thank you for visiting Psychotherapy - Why?
We live in extremely challenging times with wars in the Middle East and in Ukraine which can have hugely distressing consequences for those who are the victims, the heating up of the world that may be beyond control and some politicians in power who seem to care little for the world and the men, women, children and the animals who live in it.
How is psychotherapy relevant?
One answer could be that if we are already struggling with the aftermath of failed relationships (this is often why we seek therapy) and possible resulting depression where in our internal world nothing much makes any sense, it is much harder to deal with the events outlined above.
Therapy may give us for example the courage to reach out to other people in a way that we weren’t able to before. Our world may then seem richer even if we cannot stop the disasters that are shown on our television screens. We begin to connect better with ourselves and others. This is so very important.
I work with people from different backgrounds, coming to me with a diverse range of problems. As a fully-qualified therapist I am a member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy, and abide by their code of ethics.
I offer face to face sessions and online sessions via Zoom, or a combination of these depending on your circumstances.
Making the decision to see a therapist is a big step to take - but it can be a positive one. Please read on to find out more about how I could help you.
IS PSYCHOTHERAPY FOR ME?
Most of us in our life have encountered difficulties such as problems in a close relationship, or a recurring pattern of failed relationships which can lead to feelings of anxiety, depression and isolation. We may have had distressing childhood experiences which can affect us in later life and we can no longer afford to ignore; or we may be suffering from depression for which there is no obvious reason, or again we may be feeling stuck in some way, trapped in ways of behaving over which we don’t seem to have any control.
In psychodynamic psychotherapy sessions you will be encouraged to talk about your innermost thoughts, feelings, anxieties and fears of which you may be unaware and which may manifest themselves in the relationship with your therapist, who will help you to work with this. You therefore integrate a part of yourself which before you did not know about and that can lead to change in how you see yourself and the world.
People come to me for help a wide range of issues. Here are a few of the more common difficulties that can be supported through counselling:
Feelings of stress or anxiety
Relationship problems
Grief, loss or bereavement
Trauma and post-traumatic stress
Abuse
Depression
Problems with confidence or self-esteem
Issues relating to sexuality
Difficulties at work or in retirement
Problems with family or school life
SPEAK IN CONFIDENCE
Therapy takes place in a safe space, where you can meet with someone who will listen with sensitivity and empathy - and without judgement. In the therapy space thoughts and feelings can be expressed freely and in confidence.
A PROBLEM SHARED...
Trouble with a relationship; anxiety or panic attacks; mood swings or depression - many people face difficulties in their everyday lives that can be hard to get on top of. Therapy can help us gain a better understanding of what might be causing these problems - and how you can move towards managing or resolving them.
MAKE BETTER, HEALTHIER NEW CHOICES
Working together I can help you gain greater insight into the difficulties you are facing, help you understand why you act or react to them the way you do, and see how you can start to make better, heathier choices moving forward.
CONTACT ME
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions about how therapy works, or to arrange an initial assessment appointment. This enables us to discuss the reasons you are thinking of coming to therapy, whether it could be helpful for you and whether I am the right therapist to help.
You can also call me on 07708040941 if you would prefer to leave a message or speak to me first. I am happy to discuss any queries or questions you may have prior to arranging an initial appointment.
MY LOCATION
My practice is located on 28 Helen Road, Oxford. Just 20 mins from Oxford city centre. Helen Road is off the Botley Road which is at present closed to traffic at the railway station heading into town. Take the pedestrian walkway from the station to access Botley Road. Helen Road is on the right after the West Oxford Community Centre and Henry Road.
I also offer online sessions via Zoom.
Contact me for more information, or to book your first session.
SESSIONS & FEES
I offer weekly (or twice-weekly) sessions which last 50 minutes and charge £61.00 per session. For those in full-time study I charge £51.00 per session. I would ask you to pay a half-fee for any session you may miss because of taking a holiday. I do not charge you if I am not able to be available for a session. I will always let you know in advance if I am not able to be there for a session and will aim to make alternative arrangements with you.
It is my practice to see prospective patients for one or two consultation sessions before beginning therapy and I charge the fees quoted above for each session. These sessions are as important for you as they are for me. They give me the chance to learn more about you and your background and for you they will help you to know if I am a person with whom you will feel comfortable and if you feel you will be able to make good use of psychodynamic therapy, having had a taste of the latter in the consultation sessions.
YOU MAY NOT KNOW IT, BUT YOU’VE ALREADY TAKEN THE FIRST STEP...
Our earliest experiences from infancy onwards are of utmost importance. Philippa Perry says in her book: 'How to Stay Sane', '[...] how our brain develops has more to do with our earliest relationships than with genetics; with nurture rather than nature'. Psychodynamic psychotherapy with a therapist with whom you can build a close, trusting relationship can help you learn much about yourself, and to recognize when thoughts and feelings become obsessive and lead you away from happiness and nurturing relationships. This process may take time but may be supremely well worth it. Regard therapy as an investment in yourself.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How long a period of therapy lasts will vary from person to person and depend on the depth of the issues they are facing. For some people it may be 6 months to a year; For others it may be longer.
Everything that is said within the counselling room is private - this is one of the main ways counselling and therapy differ from talking to a friend or relative. Once you are comfortable with the format of weekly sessions and the safe space they provide, you will find the freedom to speak in confidence is of great value.
Note that there are some situations where you may be a risk to yourself or others, and there the law requires that I notify an authority; in these cases I may not be able to keep total confidentiality. Breaking confidentiality is very rare though, and only happens after the person concerned has been informed.
Usually I am asked this question by people who are nervous about entering into therapy, or when they are looking for support in coming to see a therapist. This anxiety is understandable, but a key aspect of therapy is that you should feel free to talk about any issues you feel are important to you. Having someone else with you who can be connected those issues makes this opening-up more difficult, so for this reason I do not see clients accompanied by friends or family.
Elizabeth Brennan, MBACP
ABOUT YOUR THERAPIST, ELIZABETH BRENNAN
I began personal therapy for myself when I was in my forties and found it to be a valuable experience. I started my training part-time and finished full-time training with wpf in London in 2010 with a licence to see patients twice-weekly should they need this level of frequency. Once qualified I began to build up my own small private practice and gain the experience I needed as a therapist.
I speak French and German fluently and can offer sessions in these languages for those patients who may well find it easier to speak in their own native language.
I see people from an age range of about 18 to 70 and above.
I have been a practising psychodynamic psychotherapist in Oxford for the past 14 years.
If you have any further questions please feel free to reach out before booking a session.