• South Woodford E18, Barking IG11 Or Online
  • 07305 783827

Esther is not currently accepting new clients

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A safe space to unfold who you truly are & long to be:

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Embarking on a therapy journey is often an act of bravery.

You’re bravely declaring you’re ready to change.

You’re bravely deciding that you’re done with bearing the issues that have been holding you back.

You’re bravely believing you deserve more.

I deeply respect every client who starts their therapy journey because it’s often the first step that is met with the most resistance.

If you’re ready to discover more about yourself, be comfortable with who you are and find peace in the present, then I would be honoured to support you!

TWO WAYS YOU CAN TAKE THE FIRST STEP:

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Why therapy sessions will help you?

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I'm highly qualifies and experienced

I’ve supported thousands of clients over the last 25 years. Having a range of therapeutic tools help. I’m also no stranger to life’s challenging issues.

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Intercultural sensitivity & understanding

If you come from a different culture, have a different orientation to life than most, or just feel that you are not often understood, I’ll understand.

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Discover the root of your problem

We’ll get down to the core of whatever the issues are very quickly. This way you can start feeling better, faster. Having a therapeutic approach, which is often rooted in the psychodynamic values helps.

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Confidential sessions personalised to you

I’ll see you as a clean canvas. I won’t label you or put you in a box. So your therapy will be tailored to your specific needs and your sessions kept confidential.

is therapy right for me

Is therapy right for me?

There is no such thing as a problem being “too big” to change or “too small” to warrant support.

Life has many twists and turns. It also has setbacks and stressors and every one of us could benefit from therapeutic support. Friends and family are wonderful, but it helps to have someone in your corner who has the capacity to hold space for you and the expertise to create real change.

Perhaps you’re feeling…

• scared to open up and get vulnerable.
• unsure about yourself or lacking the courage to say what you really need to say out loud (especially for the first time).
• afraid you’ll end up in tears.
• worried that change isn’t possible for you.

Whatever it is, I would like you to know that I’ve witnessed hundreds of my clients change their lives with the support of therapy.

I know it is possible for you too.
No matter your circumstances.

Some of the issues I can help you transform

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Stress or Overwhelm

Are you going through a stressful time in your life? Do you feel easily overwhelmed and unable to process or calm your stressful emotions?

Learn the skills you need to help build your resilience, and to cope with life’s challenges.

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Anxiety or Depression

Are you regularly worrying about the future or feeling low about the past? Perhaps you received a diagnosis or just have a sense that you’re not ok.

Let’s uncover ways to experience and achieve lasting change so you are more able to focus on the life you want.

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Grief

Grief can visit us after any experience of loss or change including death, divorce, job loss, health challenges and more.

What if grief could be an opportunity to grow? Let’s navigate the rocky terrain together!

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Trauma

Do experiences from your past still affect you today? Most people go through a traumatic event in their lifetime.

You don’t have to keep carrying around the pain and shame forever.

With options for in-person therapy in South Woodford & Barking or online therapy from the comfort of your home, you can get the support you need.

PRIVATE HEALTH PROVIDER FOR

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I HAVE A BROAD RANGE OF POWERFUL TOOLS TO SUPPORT YOU

You don’t need to know upfront which one you need. I can suggest which ones will have the most significant and lasting change for you. 

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Psychotherapy

Through talking, we can lighten the load.

As a Psychotherapist, my role is to listen to you without judgement. I will assist you in overcoming your issues and help you understand more about yourself.

Research shows that more important than the approach taken, finding the (right-fit) therapist that you feel comfortable with is the most important step. You want to find someone you can connect and relate to. If you feel that you could connect with me, I’d love to help you!

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EMDR

Ready to let go of the past?

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing and was initially trialled for anxiety before it was extended to include major trauma. If you are struggling with distressing flashbacks popping in your head that derail how you feel, EMDR could help you finally feel better.

This simple, painless process has you focusing on an upsetting memory, and then using your eyes to follow the therapist’s hands back and forward.

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Hypnotherapy

Overcome issues through your subconscious mind

Do you keep doing precisely the things you know you shouldn’t be doing and want to break the cycle? We are far more influenced by our subconscious mind than we realise.

Hypnotherapy allows us to bypass the conscious mind and speak directly to the parts of ourselves that are usually out of reach, so we can finally create change. It is a completely safe process and will feel like a relaxed, daydream state.

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NLP

Change unhelpful thoughts, feels and behaviours.

NLP (Neuro-linguistic Programming) enables you to discover how and why you act in certain ways and works out how to change the patterns of behaviour that no longer serve a useful purpose in your life.

NLP is often said to place human beings in control of their lives rather than at its mercy. Whether you’re struggling with anger, guilt, stress, addiction, an anxiety disorder, or any other problems, NLP can help.

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CBT

Take back control over how you feel.

Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) was originally designed to treat depression and is now used to treat anxiety, panic, phobias (including agoraphobia and social phobia), stress, bulimia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder, psychosis, anger, self-worth, pain, and fatigue.

CBT focuses on looking for ways to improve your state of mind now — in the present, instead of focusing on the past, which can mean that you feel better more quickly.

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Mindfulness

Calm your mind and body.

Do you struggle to regulate your nervous system and feel regularly on edge and overwhelmed? What if you could learn coping strategies to tolerate stress far more effectively? Using Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy, I can help!

I’ll show you how to use your breath and awareness as a self-soothing tool that you always have at your disposal, no matter where you are. By focusing on your breath or awareness, we can disconnect from negative thoughts and calm down in times of stress.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens during our free 15-minute phone call?

Our 15-minute call is a way of finding out just a little bit more about you and your concerns or issues. This usually helps me determine if I could be of help to you. It is also a way of finding out more about me and to ask me any questions, which may not have been addressed on my site. It is also an opportunity to map a way forward, should you choose to book a session with me.

Are online therapy sessions as effective as in-person sessions?

I find that online therapy can be just as effective as in-person therapy for many individuals and types of mental health issues. Most of all, it offers greater accessibility, convenience, and flexibility. However, there are a few things to bear in mind if you aim to choose this as an option, like finding a quiet, private space where you can speak openly and without interruptions during your sessions. Also having a good internet connection is essential. Ultimately, the choice between online and in-person therapy should be based on your individual needs, preferences, and circumstances.

How often should we meet? Weekly? Fortnightly? Monthly?

I often advise my clients to attend sessions on a weekly basis – at least for the first three sessions. After which, the choice is theirs. Having said this, I may request on occasion that you attend sessions twice a week for a period of time if I feel this will be best for you. But ultimately, the final decision will lie with you.

How many minutes does a session go for?

All self-referral therapy sessions last up to 50 minutes, except for hypnotherapy sessions which may go on for up to 60 minutes. Third-party referrals vary based on agreements made with the organisation. This includes umbrella or membership organisations.

What can I expect from my first therapy session?

Your first session will typically start with introductions. It will also involve me taking your basic details and getting to know a little bit more about you. As a result, I will ask about your personal history, including any relevant medical, psychological, and social information, which will help me to understand your background and context.

I’ll also ask you why you have sought therapy. You may have explained this to me during the initial consultation but I’d like to have a clearer picture of this. So, be prepared to talk further on this. Whether it’s specific issues like anxiety or depression, or a general sense of feeling stuck, your openness will help set the stage for effective therapy.

We’ll also discuss your goals for therapy – what you hope to achieve. Your goals can be as broad or specific as you need them to be. I might also ask you what you would like to focus on initially, so as to ensure that your immediate concerns are addressed.

I will be providing you with some administrative information about booking procedures, fees, cancellation policies, and how to contact me between sessions if necessary.
You might also need to complete some initial paperwork, including consent forms and possibly some questionnaires to assess your current mental health status. Furthermore, I’ll be open to discussing any concerns you may have and answering any questions.

What if I need to cancel or want to reschedule my appointment?

I operate a 48-hour cancellation policy. So, unfortunately, I will not be able to refund your fee if you cancel less than 48 hours before a session is due to start. This applies to rescheduling too. In some circumstances, I may be able to waive this, if I can book in another client for your slot. But generally, I apply a 48-hour policy.

Do I need a diagnosis or referral?

In most circumstances, it would help if you have discussed your mental health issues with your GP before booking a session with me. This would help, especially in determining if you have a clinical issue, which may need specific medical or psychiatric attention. But generally, you can self-refer if you choose and in which case, you would not need a diagnosis.

Can I claim sessions on my Private Health Fund Insurance?

It would be best to discuss this with your private health insurance company to ensure that your costs will be covered by them.

Are you qualified to help me?

I am a UKCP and UCPA registered Psychotherapist, a BSCH Clinical Hypnotherapist, and a Licensed NLP Master Practitioner.

I have been a therapist for over 25 years and have worked both in the public and private sectors with individuals, couples, and groups. In addition to being a therapist, I have trained, coached, and managed projects which have enhanced people’s quality of life.

I am trained in a number of approaches to therapy. Therapies I offer include: EMDR – Eye Movement, Desensitisation,and Reprocessing; Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy; Inter-cultural Therapy; NLP & Hypnotherapy, amongst others.

MY TRAININGS AND QUALIFICATIONS

  • UKCP Psychotherapist – MA in Group and Intercultural Therapy (Goldsmiths College,University of London)
  • Clinical Hypnotherapist – Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Hypnosis and Full
    Membership of the British Society of Clinical Hypnosis (Trained with Paul Mckenna and London College of Clinical Hypnosis)
  • Master Practitioner of NLP – Member of the Society of NLP (Trained with Richard Bandler and Paul Mckenna)
  • TimeLine Therapist – Certified (Trained at The Performance Partnership, London)
  • NLP Coach – Certified (Trained with Performance Partnership, London)
  • EMDR – (Trained with the London College of Clinical Hypnosis)
  • Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy – (Attendance of various Mindfulness Trainings/Retreats)

Over the years, I’ve helped numerous clients achieve their goals. I continually stay updated with the latest practices in my field to provide the best possible support for my clients. I’m also no stranger to life’s challenges and I’m committed to using my skills and experience to support you and any of my clients in reaching their goals.

Are online sessions secure? Will I be recorded?

Yes, online sessions are designed to be secure. I use a platform that employs encryption to protect your data and privacy during the session. Additionally, I follow best practices to ensure your personal information is safeguarded. But, it’s always a good idea to use a secure internet connection and avoid public Wi-Fi when participating in online sessions.

You will only be recorded if explicit consent is obtained beforehand. Recording policies vary depending on the purpose of the session, but be rest assured that I prioritise your privacy and will always inform you and obtain your consent if a session is to be recorded. If you prefer not to be recorded, you can opt out, and I will respect your choice.

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No matter what therapy tools we use, you can be assured I will..

keep everything you share confidential.

be emotionally present and focused, not passively nodding my head.
never judge you.
see you as a human being, not a set of symptoms/diagnoses.
listen to you and validate your perspective.
acknowledge external realities like racism and sexism instead of dismissing your experience.

understand and support you if you are highly sensitive and help you see your nature as a gift.

Book a free call

Take a no-obligation first step by booking a 15-minute chat to see if we’re a good fit.