Stephen Millward

My approach to psychotherapy is informed by and integrates findings in attachment theory, neuroscience, trauma studies, relational psychotherapy and mindfulness. My work is grounded in the notion that one's sense of self is formed through early relationships with significant others and that it can further develop and be transformed through later relationships with self- contained and containing others such as a therapist.   

The structure of sessions or "where will we move our attention today?" will be negotiated with you at the beginning of each session. Then we will try to move into a more grounded and mindful state of mind before exploring the issues that are felt to be most pressing. A mindful stance helps to explore issues in more depth and allows opportunities to glimpse and be informed by material that does not usually come to mind during everyday life.

Care is taken in sessions to pace exploration appropriately so that there is plenty of time to begin "processing" what arises in the session and to ensure that you do not leave overwhelmed. This ensures that the course of your therapy remains sustainable and rewarding, maintaining therapeutic progression while respecting that you may have a life and responsibilities outside of the therapy as well. 

The overall goals of my therapeutic approach are to provide you with a secure base and relationship within which you can explore issues with a view to strengthening and developing existing and new internal resources that you can use to improve your life outside of therapy.

If you would like to approach your therapy in this way, contact me to book an initial session. 

Best wishes

Stephen