About me
I’m an integrative embodied-relational therapist. Working integratively means I draw on multiple modalities and theories, collaborating with you to create a space that best fits your needs. My therapeutic approach has been particularly shaped by relational psychotherapy, attachment theory and somatic (body) psychotherapy.
I’m interested in how the relationships we experience in our early lives affect our later ways of relating to ourselves, others and the world. Therapy can be a useful place to explore & play with these ways of being - I encourage a curiosity about what is happening between us in session, and how this might be helpful information about what happens between you and others in your life. You are welcome to bring any issues that are important to you to sessions.
I believe that therapy is a fundamentally relational endeavour - not that people are broken and therefore need to be “fixed” - but rather that through working together we can come to new ways of relating, understanding and being.
Somatic therapy looks at how our histories and experiences have become embodied within us - how we have learned to hold ourselves together in order to maximise safety and security. Working in an embodied way might look like trying to notice what is happening in your body as we speak, exploring your impulses, being curious about what is wanting to unfold (and what might be being blocked)... My somatic offerings are only ever an invitation, with full respect for your boundaries (“no” is an important part of therapy!). I try to cultivate a warm, open and non-judgemental space for you to explore yourself and your issues in.
I am experienced in working with issues to do with gender and sexuality, relationship diversity (polyamory, consensual non-monogamy etc) and provide an LGBTQ+ affirmative practice, but welcome clients from all backgrounds. I am mindful of the social, cultural and structural issues & inequalities involved in the difficulties we face as individuals.
I believe that therapy can help with so many issues, whether they feel vague or specific, and allow us to come to a better understanding of ourselves and our histories so we can live more fully and authentically.
You might come to see me to work through:
Feeling stuck or uncertain in life
Relationship difficulties
Sexual or romantic struggles
Questions around gender or sexuality
Difficulty connecting with your body, emotions or desires
Life transitions
Self-esteem issues
Family dynamics or difficult family histories
Depression or anxiety
Creative blocks
Loss
Sessions & fees
When you contact me we will arrange a time to have an initial session. This is a chance for us to explore what you’re looking for from therapy, what working together might be like, and whether I think I am a good match for your needs. There is no expectation for further sessions after the initial consultation: you are welcome to take time to decide whether or not to continue.
Sessions are 50 minutes long, held at the same time each week. Before we start work together I will send you a copy of my client-therapist agreement, which contains information about the therapeutic contract, confidentiality, holidays and cancellations.
Fees
My standard rate is £80 per session, or £100 for those earning £70k or over. This fee structure enables me to offer a number of concessionary spaces to people on a low income, who otherwise might struggle to access long-term therapy.
Fees are payable via bank transfer in advance of each session.
Ways of working
I offer sessions online via Zoom, so welcome clients from any location
Qualifications
Advanced Diploma in Embodied-Relational Therapy
Embodied-Relational Therapy Association
Diploma in Integrative Counselling
The Minster Centre
Certificate in Psychosexual Therapy
The Grove Practice
Graduate Certificate in Humanistic & Psychodynamic Counselling
Goldsmiths University of London
Graduate Certificate in Gender & Sexuality Studies
Birkbeck University of London
Contact
Sophie Lawton
Counselling & Psychotherapy
Brixton, Balham, Clapham and South London
Online therapy via Zoom
