Russell Thompson

Before completing my diploma in Psychodynamic Practice at the University of Oxford (and subsequent Masters research), I spent seventeen years in frontline NHS healthcare. Delivering health screening to diabetic patients, I worked in a range of contexts, including GP surgeries, community hospitals, prisons, and Ophthalmology settings.

I take a therapeutic approach which allows the client to establish what they want to explore in the sessions, and offer a space where problems can be articulated without judgement. Depending on the presenting issues, it might be a space to gently explore past troubles, recurring patterns of behaviour, or unhelpful thoughts about yourself. My approach is one of exploration, going at the client’s pace. I can also offer more solution-focused therapy, especially in short-term work.

Part of my background is in creative writing and the arts. My research at Oxford was on humour and counselling, which reflected my interest in the area, and my previous experience in writing comedy. I have a strong interest in the challenges and experiences of those involved in the creative industries, alongside clients from any other kind of background.

I provide the client with the space to explore what they want to bring. I allow you to find your own words to describe your situation. My approach is non-directive and reflective. The aim of this calm and supportive atmosphere is to help you to get a better sense of what it is that you are facing, and help you to begin to make sense of it.

The psychodynamic approach focuses on unconscious motivations and thoughts which might be affecting a person’s decisions and behaviour. It also looks at how experiences and internalised messages from the past are finding their way into the present. By helping you to understand your story, there is the possibility of changing the things that you wish to change.

I offer a 20 minute video consultation free of charge. This allows us to see if I can help, and whether we would be a good fit to work together. I may also ask you to fill out a CORE-10 assessment, which is a simple way of evaluating psychological wellbeing.

Any question you may have about the counselling process is valid, and so there is no expectation of prior knowledge. There is no rush to decide whether you would like to proceed with a course of counselling. Sometimes it is valuable to go away and have a think about it.

If we agree to work together, I will send you a contract, which outlines how we are going to work, and some of the agreements regarding confidentiality and cost. I will also ask for some details, such as date of birth, address and GP surgery. (Any personal data is stored securely and in line with the Data Protection Act).