Antonia Kelly PgD

Have you been feeling anxious or depressed and want to gain some control over your thoughts and behaviours? Find it difficult to feel motivated and to know which direction to take in order to make changes happen? Are Low self-esteem and confidence issues holding you back from reaching your full potential?  Do negative or traumatic past experiences effect your emotions, behaviours and decision making? If any or all these things resonate with you, then therapy can give you the tools and self-awareness that you need to start to repair these issues.

With over 10 years of working in Private practice as well as working for the NHS in various settings, I have had the privilege of listening to many clients struggles, have offered my understanding of mental health issues and my skills.  I have helped clients to cope and manage, and have empowered clients to make changes.  As a result, I have witnessed the positive effects this has had on their lives, and have watched them grow, change and achieve their goals.

As a therapist I am highly trained and skilled in listening without judgment and have the knowledge and understanding of how emotions develop and manifest.  I am therefore able to assess clients for specific symptoms and then plan of action following specific therapy approaches that would be appropriate for the individual needs.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Ethos:
The key to change is working with negative thoughts that are causing distorted perceptions of one’s self, by modifying thoughts and beliefs.  This process may involve looking at the evidence for thoughts and therefore raising awareness of the irrationality of beliefs.  This is particularly helpful for providing tools and techniques for managing anxiety, depression and obsessive behaviours.

Solution Focused Therapy (SFBT) ethos;
This approach is based on building solutions rather than problem-solving.  This approach involves exploring what it is that you want and identifying ways of achieving them.  This approach is about building inner confidence and self-belief, which will enable you to access your inner resources and future hopes.   This will give you the tools you need to take charge of your life.   This approach will acknowledge present problems and possible past issues that are relevant, but it predominantly focuses on the changes you want to make and how you can make them happen.

Person-Centred Counselling Ethos:
Every individual has the potential for growth when shown a non-judgmental respect, acceptance, empathy and congruence.  This process may involve addressing and changing beliefs placed upon us from external influences.

Psychotherapy Ethos:
Past unresolved feelings or experiences may be affecting the present.   Understanding the past helps to raise awareness, gain a clearer perspective and can lead to change.  This process may involve exploring the past and making links to realise the effects on the present.