Hannah Cruttenden
Psychotherapy, Psychology, EMDR
Welcome
So many of us try to cope with life's challenges on our own - perhaps believing that nobody can help.
Psychotherapy with a trusted professional can transform difficult thoughts and feelings. This can happen in various ways - you feel less alone, you find a new perspective, and you develop new coping strategies. Instead of inner turmoil, there is calm acceptance.
Personal change
Neurobiologists now recognise that psychotherapy can change how the brain functions, strengthening the ability to regulate emotions, and improving conditions like anxiety and depression. The effects are often more powerful and long-lasting than medication.
My training
I am an experienced Chartered Counselling Psychologist and Clinical Psychotherapist, registered with the HCPC (Health and Care Professions Council), BPS (British Psychological Society), the UKCP (United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy) and the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy).
I am committed to an evidence-based, culturally-sensitive and ethical way of working.
I am registered with several private healthcare providers including Aviva, AXA PPP and Vitality Health.
Who I work with
I work with individuals aged 20+ (I strongly believe personal change is possible throughout life).
There is no need to come with a specific, well-defined aim for therapy, although some people do. The range of issues I address with my clients include:
Anxiety
Depression
Trauma and PTSD
Bereavement and loss
Relationship difficulties
Low self esteem
Attachment issues
Family estrangement
Childhood trauma and neglect
Life transitions and losses in later life
How psychotherapy can help
Being able to speak freely, and be heard by another person, can provide powerful relief from unbearable feelings. This may include reducing distress around traumatic memories, and identifying any patterns of behaviour that are no longer serving you well.
Techniques involving mindfulness, imagery and body awareness can enhance your experience of the present moment. Possibilities open up for deep personal change.
What kind of therapy?
Integrative Psychotherapy & EMDR
I integrate a number of different psychological approaches, including humanistic, psychodynamic, somatic, and cognitive behavioural (CBT), to provide a treatment tailor-made for you.
I also offer Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), an approach recognised by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) in the UK, and internationally by the World Health Organisation. This proven approach has been widely tested in people who have suffered trauma, but can also be useful for other issues.
Read more about how I work.
My location
I work with clients in the UK and internationally, mostly offering weekly 50-minute sessions. Longer sessions are available for more intensive trauma work. If you prefer to meet in person and live in London, my Ealing base is easily accessible from Acton, Greenford, Hanwell, Shepherds Bush. I no longer offer in person work in Cheltenham but I would be happy to organise sessions online.
When working online, you will need access to the internet, and a quiet space where you can have privacy.
Fees & availability
My usual fee starts at £95 for a 50-minute session. I am registered with private healthcare providers including Axa, Aviva and Vitality Health. I have a limited number of reduced fee spaces for those who could not otherwise afford to come.
Get in touch
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions about how counselling works, or to arrange an initial assessment appointment.
You can also call me on +44 7973 261442. I am happy to discuss any queries or questions you might have, prior to arranging an initial appointment.
All enquires are usually answered within 24 hours, and all contact is strictly confidential, and uses secure phone and email services.
Frequently asked questions
After an assessment, we would normally arrange to meet for an agreed number of sessions - say 6 or 10, usually weekly. Most people find this number of sessions beneficial, and many decide to continue on an open-ended basis.
Normally, yes, clients have their own regular day and time. However, there is some flexibility for shift workers or freelancers.
I ask for 7 days' notice of a session cancellation. With less notice I will do my best to offer an alternative time that week, but this can never be guaranteed.
Working online can be a very effective and convenient way of working. In particular the challenges of the Covid 19 pandemic have proved that it is possible to build strong and successful therapeutic relationships online.
However, there are a few practical differences. If you are speaking to me from your home, you will need a private space where you cannot be overheard. You might also want to think about having your own tissues and a glass of water to hand.
We can talk about how you position your screen for sessions. Some people like to be close up, others at a distance. Being on eye-level with the camera usually works best if that's possible.
Please let me know as soon as you can if you have a holiday coming up. If I am taking holiday, I will give you as much notice as possible.
© Dr Hannah Cruttenden
powered by WebHealer