Deborah Aita

I offer psychotherapy to individuals and groups using an integrative exploratory approach based on psychoanalytic, attachment and existential theories.  I am a trained and fully registered Arts Therapist which means that I use creative methods as well as talking therapy.  Every person is unique and therefore my work with each person is centred on that uniqueness and individuality.  I offer a non-judgemental, creative and confidential space for you to explore your feelings and thoughts.

ABOUT YOU :  Often people seek psychotherapy because they feel stuck and unable to live their lives as fully as they wish.  You may be facing a crisis brought about by a life changing event such as separation, divorce, bereavement or other kind of loss, or you may have a longstanding issue that impacts negatively on you and your relationships.  Perhaps you are unable to say what ails you, just that something doesn’t feel right or you have feelings that disturb you.  Fear, confusion, dread, anxiety, anger, shame and guilt can arise as a result of unresolved issues or past experiences. You may be responding to others irrationally or exhibiting controlling behaviours. There are many common themes and issues that bring people to psychotherapy but each person, like you, is unique.

Areas I deal with: depression, anxiety, bereavement, complex trauma, personality disorders, stress, divorce/separation, low self-esteem, suicidal thoughts, relationship and family issues, nightmares and existential issues related to living and dying.

HOW I WORK :   After an initial consultation we will agree on a number of sessions.  This will be for either short-term or open-ended work but I will usually suggest an initial six sessions.  It is important that you find the right therapist for you, someone you feel able to explore your feelings and thoughts with: it is a part of my role to help you feel safe enough to do so. As much as possible we will work collaboratively and I will listen and respond to how and what you wish to work with.  Sometimes, in order to move forward or develop, to gain a further insight or understanding, it may be appropriate for me to push you a little to work with what might feel difficult or challenging.  Words can sometimes obscure a problem and approaches that draw on the imagination can be very helpful.  Sometimes these less direct methods can help uncover what is deeply hidden.  I always work safely and within the bounds of what you feel comfortable with.

MY TRAINING :  After a long career in the arts I trained to be a dramatherapist at Roehampton University and my Master’s dissertation was based on clinical practice working in an acute mental health setting. I am registered with the Health and Care Professions Council and a member of the British Association of Dramatherapists, and I abide by all their codes of conduct.  As well as regular clinical supervision I attend conferences and specialist programmes to continue my professional development.  I led an Arts Therapy team within a hospice for nine years, offering arts psychotherapy to people with terminal illness, as well as pre- and post-bereavement work with families and carers.

 

FEES :  I charge £60 per one hour session.  For students studying accredited Arts Therapy courses we can discuss a lower fee.