Therapy helps you to understand yourself so you can enhance your life and live it more fully. It’s a focused space where we can explore what is troubling you so you can feel more resourced to meet life’s challenges.
Therapy
Maybe a particular event, crisis, or relationship has prompted you to seek therapy or maybe there is a block or an ingrained pattern which you want to address. It might be that you don’t have a clear reason but feel frustrated or despondent and simply sense that something is ‘off’. Whether you feel your difficulties are specific or vague, together we can look at what brings you to therapy and what needs to change so that life is more manageable and enjoyable.
I know that finding a therapist can feel like an overwhelming task - especially if you are feeling low, anxious, or desperate. The number of different therapies available and all the jargon can be confusing, making it hard to know what to look for.
I am an integrative therapist, which means that I draw on a range of psychotherapeutic approaches and integrate them into how I work. I adapt my approach to what I think will work best for you because I believe that therapy should be tailored to meet your particular needs. Often in therapy we explore a combination of current life events, past circumstances, and feelings about the future.
I don’t usually distinguish between counselling and psychotherapy, and prefer to use the umbrella term of ‘therapy’. It is sometimes said that counselling refers to shorter-term goal-oriented work, while psychotherapy involves longer-term work and explores issues in greater depth. I am trained to work in both ways and I am guided by you and your needs.
Coming to therapy can feel daunting, especially if you haven’t had therapy before. But talking about your difficulties and experiences is almost always a relief, and not as scary as you might think. I offer a safe space where you will be listened to carefully so we can explore what is troubling you and how you can move forward.
About Me
My way of working is calm and boundaried but also informal and warm, I am not a ‘blank screen’ therapist who sits in silence. I aim to build a bond of trust and understanding with you, to meet you with compassion, and help you to join the dots between your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours.
I work with people looking to overcome a wide range of emotional difficulties and common mental health challenges, such as: anxiety, depression, stress or overwhelm, stuckness, low self-esteem, bereavement and loss, trauma, relationship issues, life changes or crises.
Alongside general practice, I have a special interest in the creative industries and work related issues. Before training as a therapist, I worked as a television documentary producer and I understand the toll that high pressure, competitive, and creatively demanding work can take on emotional wellbeing. Typical issues that I support clients with include burnout, bullying, dealing with rejection, ‘imposter syndrome’, and the rollercoaster of working freelance.
I am committed to practising in a sensitive, thoughtful, and compassionate way. I respect the different backgrounds of my clients and I am aware of the social, cultural, and structural issues involved in the difficulties we face as individuals.
I trained for four years at The Minster Centre in London, one of the leading psychotherapy schools in the UK. I hold a Diploma in Integrative Counselling and I am a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). I am in regular supervision and continue to develop my skills, knowledge, and experience.
I have completed specialist trainings in: Working with Trauma; Eating Disorders; Death and Bereavement; Mind-Body Connection.
As well as working in private practice, I have worked for two community-based counselling services in West London.
Sessions and Fees
When you contact me we will arrange a time to have an initial session. This is a chance for us to explore what you’re looking for from therapy, what working together might be like, and whether I am a good match for you. During the first session I will ask about your family history and key events in your life, as well as what is happening now. You are welcome to ask me about how I work or any questions you have about the therapy process.
If we agree to work together I will send you a copy of my client-therapist agreement, which details my policies on confidentiality, holidays, and cancellations.
Sessions are 50 minutes long, held at the same time each week.
My standard rate is £85 per session. I have some concessionary slots for students or those on a low income - please contact me for availability.
Location
My therapy room is in Chiswick, West London. It is within easy reach of Acton, Kew, Putney, Barnes and Brentford. Gunnersbury station (district line & overground) is a 7 min walk. Turnham Green station (district line) is a 15 min walk.
There is usually lots of free parking nearby. It is restricted from 10am-12pm but during this time it can be paid for on an app.
I also work online via Zoom, so welcome clients from any location.
Contact
Julia Mair
Counselling and Psychotherapy
Please either fill out the form here or email me directly on juliamairtherapy@gmail.com and I will do my best to respond within 24 hours.
