Susan Dixon

 I am able to accept new clients. 

My overall aim is to offer a confidential non-judgemental space where you can explore your feelings and emotions safely. As a psychodynamic therapist I believe that sometimes our present conflicts and how we respond to situations and relate to others can be influenced by our past. So, we may therefore spend time examining past relationships and your earliest attachments. I will work in an integrative way when necessary which means despite being a psychodynamic therapist, I draw on ideas from other modalities such as CBT. 

Early sessions will focus on building a working alliance so you feel able to share what may be troubling. You control the content and pace of the sessions and together we will consider what choices you want to make and what direction you want your life to follow. It might also mean you coming to terms with painful situations from your past. Sometimes the sessions will be difficult, and you may feel worse before you begin to feel better.

I have an MA in Counselling & Psychotherapy, a PG Diploma in Counselling (psychodynamic), and a BSc Hons in Integrative Counselling. I have a certificate in CBT skills. I am currently midway through a PhD in Psychology focussing on eating disorders (EDs). I lecture on Teacher Education and Mental Health at a London university, working with a range of students. I have a particular specialism/interest in working with EDs  as I have been voluntarily facilitating a support group for over two decades that was part of the ED Association Self Help Network, and then latterly worked in partnership with BEAT, a national ED charity.

I am offering face to face sessions (in a ventilated office), online sessions (via zoom) and telephone sessions 

My counselling room is located in SE18. I am accessible from Woolwich (mainline and DLR), Plumstead, Blackheath, Lewisham, Greenwich, Canning Town and Stratford stations. There is parking on surrounding roads and I am located close to local bus services.

Each session lasts 50 minutes and we usually meet weekly at the same time.

I am used to working with a diverse range of people in terms of age, ethnicity and presenting difficulties. 

Before I meet you 

I like to talk to anyone who expresses an interest in therapy initially to find out if I can offer the right support. I do this by offering free short 20 to 30 minute zoom meetings so you can  experience what a session might feel like and for you to meet me and ask any questions. 

Before the first session

I usually send out a pre-session questionnaire which gives you an opportunity to reflect on aspects of your history such as early childhood and personal relationships.

The first session

The first session will last up to 75 minutes. During that time, we will talk in more detail about your questionnaire. We will also explore more about who you are, what you hope to get out of counselling and your understanding of why you feel the way you do. You will have space to ask any questions.

Space will be created for us to agree the contractual aspects of our work.