About

Hello, my name is Iris, and I am a certified counsellor and psychotherapist who integrates person-centred therapy, Gestalt, CBT and Mindfulness (registered with the BACP).

Originally trained as a teacher, I possess a deep interest in psycho-education and am very passionate about a person’s self-development and to foster self-awareness and understanding.

My Approach

When working collaboratively with clients, my focus is on what each individual brings to counselling and feels they would like to prioritise in this particular moment. This has the advantage of looking at what causes discomfort today, which may either lead into exploring events in the past if they still impact a client’s current life or look at future prospects which may be the cause for distress or ongoing anxiety. Seeing and understanding a person as a whole, I bring awareness to how someone may feel overall – this includes thoughts, emotions but also sensations and tensions in the body.

Latest research shows that we may hold negative experiences in our bodies, sometimes without our conscious awareness. By drawing attention to our thoughts and emotions and where these may be manifested in our body, I invite clients to notice their breath, suggest movements and incorporate visualisations – a type of meditation allowing individuals to draw on their mental images.

Ginkgo Mind & Body Therapy Specialisms

Abuse
Addiction
Anxiety
Depression
Eating Disorders
Grief
LGBTQ + Related Issues
OCD
Sleeping Issues
Suicidal Ideation

Trauma

Supporting clients to work through trauma, I give individuals the opportunity to embrace all parts of ourselves which make us human. Sometimes feelings of guilt, shame, inadequacy, fear, anger etc need to be given a voice and feel listened to before acceptance can take place. Being able to express the inner dialogues that may be played out in our mind and hence give ourselves the permission to say out loud what is interfering with our daily life is healing in itself. Once, we are heard and feel reaffirmed as being human our readiness to find solutions will gradually emerge again, making clearer the path ahead and what needs to be tackled to get to this place we are seeking to be.

Sometimes, emotions and sensations belong to a younger self within us, which may have never received the chance to express these feelings and thoughts. Hence, working with child, adult and parent parts within a client, I encourage individuals to engage with aspects of themselves that may feel alienated, ignored and forgotten. The aim and task is to reintegrate those parts that developed protective qualities in order to stay safe and to strive despite life’s adverse experiences. The transformation of these parts into healthy and supportive companions will support the client on their overall journey to personal fulfilment, growth and overall contentment.

Abuse & its effects on individuals and families

I gained experience in working with individuals and families recovering from domestic abuse in a women’s refuge. This taught me about the cycle of abuse – a dynamic which can be passed on from generation to generation when family members do not receive the support they need. Being exposed to abuse in its various forms may have a detrimental effect on someone’s well-being, not only to those directly affected by it, however, also family members who become an eyewitness or overhear the abuse taking place, in particular over a prolonged period of time. This can sometimes teach a child to identify with the victim or the abuser’s role in the form of surviving strategies to keep themselves emotionally, physically and psychologically safe.

Building on the strength of the survivor who had to adapt to adverse living conditions, this is an ideal starting point to support individuals who would like to build a better future for themselves, leaving old coping mechanisms behind while focusing on becoming securely attached within themselves and in relationships with others.

Customer Testimonials

contact@ ginkgomindbodytherapy.com

07771 214130