Shonadh Patterson

It can feel really daunting taking the first steps into therapy but I am here to offer support and I am confident that I can help you make sense of whatever brings you to therapy.

I'm a BACP registered, experienced psychotherapist who works with adults and young people aged 14 and over. I offer a warm and empathic approach with both long & short term psychotherapy and counselling in welcoming space where we can explore the issues that concern you. The therapeutic relationship we create is at the heart of my work and as an integrative and relational therapist this means I am able to adapt my way of working according to your needs. During our sessions I will draw on a wide range of theories and approaches to help you.

For 20 years I worked as artist management in the music industry. A key role during this time was building strong relationships, supporting artists through many complex situations and enabling their transitions through many difficult areas in their lives.

At times in sessions it can sometimes feel impossible to articulate a feeling or it may be too painful to use words. Alongside traditional talk therapy,  I offer a chance to work creatively within the sessions and use sand tray therapy and guided imagery which can allow us to access other parts of ourselves.

Sand tray therapy can be an effective way to help clients address trauma as well as expressing feelings or events without using words. Three-dimensional pictures are created in the sand tray using miniature figures and objects. These pictures can be reflective, self-expressive and represent many aspects of life such as people, ideas, situations, and feelings. They can also symbolise a client’s internal world and allows clients to become more aware of their unconscious and of any current difficulties in their life. Previously unknown thoughts and feelings may emerge and become visible through the imagery and symbolic approach that is applied. This can make sessions feel very deep and powerful.

I offer a free 15 minute phone call which is a chance for us to meet to talk in more depth about what brings you to therapy and if you feel I am the right therapist for you.