Thea Bairstow

Mondays all day/eve, Wednesday evenings 4-8pm, Thursdays all day/eve.

I work with people whose problems are specific and also those that seem less specific such as unahppiness, general dissatisfaction with life, feelings of emptiness or confusion or simply feeling different.

Supporting people to deepen their understanding of the way in which they relate to themselves, others and the world around them can help with discovering new ways of living,  hopefully,  with greater insight and ease. 

Emotional difficulties and the distress they cause are bringing our attention to things that need to be understood and therefore given the space to be explored.  They are not things to be 'fixed' however when people have a safe space where they can be carefully listened to and sensitively challenged new perspectives become possible.

I have a background in working with children, families, adults and mothers & babies.  I have worked for the NSPCC covering domestic abuse/coercion/violence and Sexual abuse/exploitation.  I have worked within a local authority supporting adopted/fostered children and their families.  I also provide therapy for Psychotherapists and psychologists in training as a member of the Leeds University Therapist Networks.

My specialist interest is working with people who have experienced coercive behaviour/control/violence in any guise from 1 on 1 relationships through to families, institutions and cults.  I work with anyone who may wish to process these experiences whilst increasing knowledge of how to spot the signs of coercive behaviours/undue influences within individuals or groups.  I also work with anyone experiencing long term trauma/chronic PTSD and the adult effects of childhood abuse and neglect.

Often current difficulties can be resolved within the framework of short term counselling while some more long standing problems can benefit from longer term psychotherapy. This can entail looking into greater depth at the influential relationship between past and present.  Whilst this deeper work can bring up uncomfortable experiences, I always ensure that safety and ability to function in the here and now are carefully considered. I will work with you to establish which of these pathways is most appropriate for you and best suited to the issues you wish to focus on.

I will ask you to fill in some brief details on a form and then I offer a free initial 30 minute telephone or zoom session for new clients.  It is important we both feel we can work together and in this session you can ask any questions you have and I can talk you through the therapy that I offer.  I usually suggest you have some time to consider what we have discussed and make sure if feels right for you.  It is also a good idea to chat with at least a couple of other therapists so you can get a feel for the kind of theapeutic relationship that might work for you.  Should you decide to proceed I offer an initial session with a review and then regular reviews every 6 sessions or so to check the therapy is providing what you need.

Sessions for individual are 50 minutes and cost £60.  Number of sessions can be flexible.  Regular reviews are particularly helpful for longer term work.  I also encourage questions at any time about any aspect of the work/therapy/relationship.

I  offer limited spaces for couples therapy.  Sessions last 1 hour and are £70.00.