Tammy Dowling

Tuesday & Thursday Evenings (online/in person) 6pm-8:30pm 

Saturdays (online/in person)  - 10am-2pm

My practice is grounded in a humanistic philosophy and informed by a pluralistic approach to counselling. I believe that every person is unique, and there is no single therapeutic approach that works for everyone. Together, we will work collaboratively to find an approach that best meets your individual needs, goals and pace.

I have a particular interest in supporting adults who are living with the effects of trauma. Trauma can influence how we think, feel, relate to others and experience the world around us. It may leave us feeling anxious, overwhelmed, emotionally numb or disconnected from ourselves. My aim is to provide a safe, compassionate and non-judgemental space where you can begin to make sense of these experiences.

Alongside talking therapy, I integrate somatic (body-based) approaches where appropriate. I recognise that the effects of trauma can be experienced not only through our thoughts and emotions but also through changes in the body's stress responses and nervous system. Working gently with both mind and body can help develop greater emotional regulation, self-awareness and a renewed sense of safety.

Building a trusting therapeutic relationship is at the heart of my work. I understand that starting therapy can feel daunting, so we will always work at a pace that feels comfortable for you. My role is not to tell you what to do but to walk alongside you with empathy, curiosity and respect as you explore your experiences and move towards meaningful change.

Whether you are seeking support for trauma, anxiety, grief, low self-esteem, relationship difficulties or life transitions, I offer a warm, collaborative environment where you can feel heard, accepted and empowered to move forward.

Seeking therapy can feel like a big step, especially if you have been carrying difficult experiences on your own for a long time. My aim is to provide a warm, compassionate and non-judgemental space where you feel safe to be heard, understood and accepted.

I have a particular interest in supporting adults who are living with the effects of trauma. Whether your experiences stem from childhood, relationships or significant life events, trauma can leave you feeling anxious, overwhelmed, emotionally numb, constantly on edge or disconnected from yourself and others. Together, we will work at a pace that feels right for you, helping you understand your experiences and move towards healing.

As a pluralistic counsellor and somatic trauma therapist, I recognise that every person's journey is unique. I integrate talking therapy with body-based approaches where appropriate, supporting you to better understand both your emotional experiences and your nervous system's responses. Therapy is tailored to your individual needs, ensuring our work together reflects what feels most helpful for you.

Alongside trauma, I also support clients experiencing anxiety, low self-esteem, grief, relationship difficulties, stress, burnout and life transitions.

Whatever has brought you to therapy, you do not have to face it alone. I believe healing happens through connection, compassion and feeling truly understood. My hope is that our work together helps you build greater self-awareness, resilience and confidence so you can move forward with a renewed sense of safety, balance and wellbeing.

Initial Assessment / Session 1

Presenting Concerns

Initial assessment seeking support for (presenting issue). This can include physical symptoms, emotions and/or difficulties which have been impacting their daily life, relationships and overall wellbeing. 

Background Information

Relevant personal, family, relationship, employment, medical and mental health history. Confidentiality, professional boundaries, contracting, data protection and the limits of confidentiality.

Assessment

A collaborative assessment will be completed to gain an understanding of your current difficulties, strengths and therapeutic goals. 

Therapeutic Interventions

A warm, empathic and non-judgemental therapeutic environment will be established to begin developing the therapeutic relationship. Active listening, reflection, clarification and gentle exploratory questioning were used throughout the session. As a pluralistic practitioner, I encouraged collaboration from the outset, inviting the client to identify what they hoped to gain from therapy and how they preferred to work. Where appropriate, psychoeducation regarding the impact of stress and trauma on the nervous system was introduced to support understanding and normalise the client's experiences.

Risk Assessment

A risk assessment will be conducted. This will consist of current thoughts of suicide, self-harm or harm to others. If there is no immediate safeguarding concerns identified, risk will be reviewed throughout therapy.

Plan

Agreed to a weekly, bi-weekly or monthly 50 to 90-minute sessions. The focus will be on strengthening the therapeutic relationship, developing emotional safety and collaboratively working towards your goals. Progress and therapeutic direction will be reviewed regularly throughout our work together.