Psychotherapy

People seek psychotherapy for many different reasons. You might have a quiet sense that something just feels ‘off’ within yourself. Maybe you find yourself in the same place thinking “I can’t believe I’m here - again”. Maybe you’re finding it difficult to even voice how you feel; finding it hard to believe that how you feel is worth anyone’s time; feeling as if there is an invisible weight pushing you down, leaving you feeling like you are moving through treacle or like gravity has applied twice it’s force to you; or you might struggle to feel anything at all.

When you feel this way it can be incredibly hard to ‘just talk’ to others as you are worried that it will ‘burden’ them or come across as ‘selfish’. You feel you ‘should’ be able to handle things without help. For some people, despite trying their hardest to push through, symptoms can then begin to surface as anxiety (sometimes as a tight chest, racing pulse, thoughts of bad things happening) and persistent low mood (feeling low a lot of the time). For others, it’s a sense that life is passing you by and you would like to live more fully, yet not knowing how.

Psychotherapy can be helpful if you are feeling like this. I offer psychotherapy for adults (18+) in Salisbury, providing a consistent, confidential space to explore what’s going on beneath the surface - even if you’re not yet sure how to put it into words. Supporting you to find language for your experience can often be part of the work. It can also be a relief to talk to someone who is outside of your family or friend circle. Many people have previously had more short term counselling or CBT and still feel stuck, as though something important hasn’t quite shifted. This is sometimes where exploring more long term psychotherapy might help. It can be particularly helpful if you feel you may have been affected by your past.

How does psychotherapy help?

Psychotherapy is a collaborative, reflective process that develops over time through a reliable therapeutic relationship. There is published evidence to support efficacy. Research consistently shows that the quality of this relationship is one of the most important factors in effective therapy. However, client motivation is also important. I usually work in what is generally considered a long term way, seeing clients for months or years rather than weeks.  It all depends on what you are looking for help with. For client’s looking to work through a specific issue like an issue at work or coping with a painful relationship breakdown, we might work together for 3 - 6 months. When issues have been more long standing and relate back to childhood, we might, together, agree that more longer term support is more appropriate. 

As a therapist my aim is to help you:

  • create lasting internal change

  • understand yourself more deeply

  • recognise patterns that no longer serve you

  • grow emotional resilience and self-trust

Over time, many clients find that therapy becomes less about “fixing” problems and more about feeling more fully alive. This means that the need for therapy naturally reduces. There is also evidence that psychotherapy has positive therapeutic impacts even after the therapy ends. Finding the right therapist for you matters a lot. I have written some ideas on how to choose a psychotherapist here, and for a clear overview of what to expect from psychotherapy, Jonathan Shedler’s guide can be a helpful starting point. If you feel ready to take the first step, reach out via email at info@lisamarie-therapy.co.uk or complete the online  enquiry form.

I am a UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) trainee psychotherapist.  The UKCP is the leading membership body for regulating Psychotherapy in the UK and is accredited by the Professional  Standards Authority (PSA). I currently offer a high value session cost of £45 per session. I offer a free 15 min introductory phone or zoom call to give you and me a chance to assess if working together feels like a good option.

 What help is available to me?

The NHS typically offers a limited number of therapy sessions (usually between 6 and 20), most often based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). CBT  is a structured, goal-focused approach designed to help you manage specific symptoms that are impacting your day-to-day life. For some people, this kind of support is helpful, however, it’s not the right fit for everyone, especially when difficulties are more complex or long-standing. Locally, GP’s refer to Wiltshire Talking Therapies, and self-referral is also available via their online referral form, which includes information about their exclusion criteria. If this feels like a good starting point for you, I’d encourage you to speak to your GP or check their website directly. That said, due to the short-term nature of NHS therapy, many people find they still need more support after completing their sessions. That’s where my approach - longer term, relational psychotherapy working at depth - might be worth exploring.

Why work with me? This is an important and personal decision. I’m currently a UKCP Trainee Psycotherapist and also hold an academic PhD in Psychology (Research, non-clinical) - meaning I bring both insight and empathy to the therapy space. The initial 15min call is a chance to explore working together.

I’ve supported clients in a range of settings, including charities such as Help Counselling, addiction hubs such as Murray’s Initiative, and founding my own private practice since 2021, helping people work through a wide variety of emotional and psychological struggles.

I strive to work with depth and care, but I also believe therapy doesn’t have to feel heavy all the time - humour has its place, and when it fits, I use it as a tool to bring relief, connection, and perspective. I’m also grounded in regular clinical supervision, personal therapy,  committed to ethical practice, and hold a Certificate in Counselling Skills from COSCA (Confederation of Scottish Counselling Associations (COSCA)). You can read more about my background and qualifications here.

Why Psychotherapy?

Why choose Psychotherapy? You can read about different types of psychotherapy here. I am a Humanistic and Integrative Psychotherapist in my final year of advanced clinical training, following the Ethics and Code of Conduct as set out by the Humanistic and Integrative Psychotherapy College (HIPC) which is part of the UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP). Find out more about my background in psychology research and counselling with charities here

The Process

I offer a free telephone consultation to discuss your needs, this will typically last approximately 15 minutes and will be at a time that suits you.

To arrange a telephone consultation, you can either complete the online enquiry form here email me at info@lisamarie-therapy.co.uk.

Following on from an Initial discussion, we may arrange an Initial Assessment Session which is in-person and £45. Following this, if we both feel it would be in your interests to go forward, we will arrange to meet at a regular time each week. If I don’t feel I am the right option, I will aim to signpost you to alternative options.

Sessions are then £45 for 50mins with costs usually reviewed annually. I practice in person.

How to find my office

I operate from a cosy office space in Salisbury city centre. There is ground floor access and an an accessible toilet. There are several bus stops within walking distance including those for the Park & Ride Service.

There are also several car parks around Salisbury, for those less familiar with Salisbury there is usually availability in Central car park.

Once we have agreed to an Initial Assessment Session I will send further information about office location.