Hannah Dolby

I primarily work remotely, mornings from 9 - 12.30pm but have some flexibility for afternoons before 3pm.

I offer face to face appointments between 9 - 2.30pm on Tuesdays in Stanstead Abbotts. 

No evenings or weekend availability at present.

Hi,

My name is Hannah and I am an Existential Psychotherapist.

What does this mean? Existential therapy is focused on exploring your individual experiences, thoughts, emotions and patterns of behaviour through compassionate and empathetic conversation. I am interested in exploring who you are - right now - and how you came to be who you are through the decisions and choices made along the way. As an existential therapist I am interested in the freedom you have (or don't have), the choices you make (or don't make) and the responsibility you have (or don't have) in your life and how these factors are impacting you. It is a dialogue between us and I hope to build a safe and trusting relationship with you to explore whatever is causing you distress in your life. I am non judgemental, empathetic and patient - I can be challenging too - but I do this with kindness and compassion.

Existential therapy accepts that there will be anxiety and suffering in life - we cannot be and feel happy all the time - that is not a realistic goal for any of us! Together we can work through what is causing you difficulty, pain or suffering, and explore how we might move forward with it, and find ways to bring more fulfillment, purpose or enjoyment to your life along the way too. Perhaps you have suffered a significant loss, a bereavement, a life change, a new diagnosis, are unhappy at work or, perhaps you do not know what is causing your unhappiness. That is OK too.

Existential therapy does not use rigid tools, techniques and homework in the way a therapy like CBT might do. However, no one type of therapy has all the answers, and so where there are tools or techniques that might benefit you, I will incorporate those. And if I think another type of therapy might better serve what you are looking for, I will always be honest with you and you can always be honest with me.

If you think that I might be the right therapist for you then I am really looking forward to working together soon.

Please email or text in the first instance and we can arrange to speak by telephone/video. 

Typically sessions are weekly at the same time, however when I have the space to be flexibile I can try to accommodate any needs you may have for flexibility.

I can provide home visits in the West Essex/East Hertfordshire Area (around 15-20 minutes from Harlow by car or train). This would be at an increased rate to take account of the travel time and petrol/train.

I offer concessionary rates for remote sessions for students and those on benefits/low income - I will need proof of this before our first session and this will be reviewed every 6 months.

I am happy to work with anything you wish to bring, however I have significant experience in working with career/work difficulties, bereavement, chronic and long term illness, reproductive health (including abortion, miscarriage and menopause), perinatal mental health, student mental health, neurodivergence, exploring your identity, thoughts of suicide and feeling in crisis.

Part of being a responsible therapist is acknowledging my limitations. I work with the long term impact of sexual assault or abuse (childhood or adult), however if you feel you may have PTSD and are experiencing significant symptoms (such as 'dissociation' or 'flashbacks') then this is not my primary area of expertise. If you are looking for a therapist with this specialty then I will gladly recommend one to you free of charge. Therapy being accessible to all is important to me, so I offer concessions to students (in higher education or psychotherapy trainees), those on low incomes an anyone claiming benefits (including on statutory maternity pay)

If you would like to speak on the telephone we can have a 15 minute chat free of charge, or get in touch by email with any questions.

Ideally first sessions will be 90 minutes long if you are able to accommodate this - otherwise two 50-minute sessions is also good.  I charge the same £60 for the longer session.

A longer session allows me to get to you know and for you to get to know me and make a decision on whether we are the right fit. When you are paying for therapy it is important to make sure you are happy and comfortable! 

I will be honest if I feel a different therapy might have more impact on the way you are feeling, or if I feel it is beyond my expertise.