Maureen Shaw
Psychotherapist in Whitstable

Looking for counselling or psychotherapy can be confusing. You might have come to this point with a feeling of wanting something to change in your life but not be sure what exactly that might be or the professional help that would feel right for you. I can offer you a confidential space in which we can explore the way forward for you. The first session is an informal kind of assessment session where I gain an idea of what is going on for you at the moment and an impression of some of your background. It is a two-way process, so it is also an opportunity for you to assess me and clarify any questions you may have. When you come along to the first session there will be questions in your mind. How do I feel about this person? Could I trust this person? Does this person seem to understand me? Is she likely to be helpful to me? To some extent these questions are always in our mind when we first meet anyone, but they are crucial ones in therapy because of the importance of the relationship. If we chat to someone at a bus stop it is not so important whether we trust them or not, but in therapy trust is much more important.

Background & Psychotherapy Qualifications

I trained as a psychoanalytic psychotherapist at the University of Kent having read psychology and trained as a nurse and health visitor (SRN, RMN, and H.V.) As part of my practice I supervise and train therapists, all of this training and experience informs what I bring to my psychotherapy practice. I have been practicing as a psychotherapist for over twenty years in both public and private settings. As part of my practice I supervise and train therapists, all of this training and experience informs what I bring to my psychotherapy practice. .

My Specialisms

I have worked as a psychotherapist in public and private settings for over twenty years. I also gained significant experience as a senior Lecturer at the University of Kent. I am experienced in working with anxiety, depression, relationship problems, sexual abuse, bullying, age related issues, eating disorders, bereavement, stress, suicide, supervision and training

Approach to Psychotherapy & How I Work

Everyone is different and my practice aims to bring the most useful approach to help you. The type of therapy I practice is relationally informed psychoanalytic psychotherapy. This type of therapy seeks to understand the unconscious beginnings of present problems. It not only relieves symptoms but enables deeper self-understanding so that life can be lived more fully and the present and the future can be faced more creatively.

The first session is an informal kind of assessment session where I gain an idea of what is going on for you at the moment and an impression of some of your background. It is a two-way process, so it is also an opportunity for you to assess me and clarify any questions you may have. When you come along to the first session there will be questions in your mind. How do I feel about this person? Could I trust this person? Does this person seem to understand me? Is she likely to be helpful to me? To some extent these questions are always in our mind when we first meet anyone, but they are crucial ones in therapy because of the importance of the relationship. If we chat to someone at a bus stop it is not so important whether we trust them or not, but in therapy trust is much more important. bring warmth and creativity to the sessions, and whilst I am there with you I am also separate enough from your life to reflect a different perspective.

Therapies & Rates

Please note the rates detailed below are there to give you an idea of the therapists standard rates, we strongly advise you contact the therapist for more detailed rates and any offers they may have.

Therapy	Appointment Type	Rate
Psychotherapy	In Person	Please Call
Relationship Therapy	In Person	Please Call

Additional Rate Information

For Individual sessions the fee is within a range of £50 - £70 per session For supervision the fee is £60 All sessions are of fifty minutes duration Cancelled sessions will be charged