Amy Downham
BACP Registered psychodynamic and person-centred psychotherapist
PG Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy
How I work…
I understand how difficult it can be to reach out for help, or even to recognise you need it. Speaking to someone you do not know can feel strange to begin with. I will offer you a warm, open and accepting space for us to explore and understand who you are. I will respect your need for privacy and will follow your lead. If you’re not sure which direction to go, I will guide you with respect and mutual understanding.
Most people come to therapy with a specific issue they would like to address. That said, you might not know what brought you here. I believe you do not need to be in crises to come to therapy. Whether you are struggling with relationships, grief, trauma, anxiety, loneliness, an issue at work, or are experiencing general low mood we can explore that together. Big changes in life can be painful. With time and careful reflection, I can help you understand what isn’t working for you and help you discover your own solutions. I will offer empathetic understanding, and will challenge you when I feel it might help you.
We will build a trusting and meaningful relationship, and together we can explore how you feel. I believe that with a deeper understanding of ourselves, we can better navigate the various challenges that life throws our way. As we accept the parts of ourselves we most fear, doors open and new opportunities can arise.
My training…
I trained in psychodynamic and person-centred psychotherapy.at the University of Edinburgh. I continue to pull on aspects of both modalities in my work which highlight the importance of building a trusting, respectful and empathetic relationship. It is the relationship itself that is prioritised and seen as the source of healing and personal growth. I will invite you to become curious about yourself, in order to develop personal awareness and deeper self reflection.
Person-centred practice means I follow your lead and offer you an empathetic and non-judgemental space to encourage your authenticity to emerge. Often in life we have developed conditional ways of being that no longer serve us. Together we will understand what these might be.
Psychodynamic practice means I focus on what emerges between us, using this as an opportunity to understand how you come into relationship with others. I will be interested in your early years, recognising how early experiences are impacting you today.