Margaret King

As an Integrative Therapist with a BSc (Hons) degree, my practice blends Person-Centred, Psychodynamic, and Existential theories, allowing me to work with the uniqueness of each client.

The Person-Centred approach emphasises the importance of the therapeutic environment while drawing upon empathy, unconditional positive regard, and congruence. I provide a non-judgmental space so clients feel understood and accepted. This approach supports and encourages an active role in therapy in finding solutions to problems.

The Psychodynamic approach explores unconscious processes and past experiences that influence behaviour and emotions. This involves exploring childhood experiences and the unconscious mind's role in shaping the personality. Bringing these aspects to light can help clients gain insight into their internal conflicts and unresolved issues.

Existential perspectives address questions about existence, freedom, and meaning. Clients are supported to confront the challenges of human life, such as isolation, mortality, and the search for meaning. Clients are supported to explore their values, beliefs, and choices, empowering them to create a more authentic life.

Central to my approach is the therapeutic relationship. By fostering a genuine, collaborative, and trust-based relationship, clients can develop healthier ways of relating to others. At the core of my therapeutic philosophy is the belief in each client's potential for growth and self-empowerment. Through a collaborative working alliance, clients find a way to navigate life's challenges and achieve a greater sense of self-awareness.

A confidential, and supportive environment is paramount to my practice. I understand the vulnerability in sharing personal experiences and emotions, and I am dedicated to maintaining a space where clients feel secure. Confidentiality is upheld with integrity while adhering to legal limitations, ensuring that clients can trust in the privacy of their therapeutic journey. 

I primarily work with clients with depression, anxiety, stress, loss, grief, and bereavement. My goal is to help you work through your distress and explore areas of your life where you might wish to make changes.

Depression can be debilitating with some days feeling like a dark cloud is hanging over you casting a shadow on everything. Depression saps your energy and enthusiasm, making the simplest tasks seem impossible. We often put on a brave face and go about our lives, appearing fine to the outside world, while inside, we struggle on alone. This disconnect between our internal experience and external presentation can exacerbate anxiety and stress, fearing our protective walls will crumble.

Loss, grief, and bereavement are incredibly overwhelming. The death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or any profound loss can trigger a cascade of emotions, from sadness and anger to guilt and despair. Grieving is a deeply personal process, and there is no right or wrong way to navigate it. It can often feel like a solitary journey, and the weight of grief can be all-consuming. The ensuing stress and anxiety can manifest in ways that affect our physical health, disrupt our routines, and strain our relationships.

Therapy provides an opportunity to explore your emotions, understand the impact of your experiences, and work through the pain that you feel. 

You can find ways to let go of the dark cloud and connect with your inner strength, gain a sense of control, and start to envision a future with possibility. The therapeutic journey is not about erasing the pain but finding a way to coexist with it, integrating it into your life in a way that allows for growth.

Therapy can help you make meaningful changes in your life and gain a deeper understanding of yourself and your experiences. Whether you are struggling with depression, anxiety, stress, or navigating the complexities of grief and bereavement, therapy offers a path toward empowerment, and a renewed sense of purpose.

During our initial session, we will explore the reasons that have led you to seek therapy. This will offer an understanding of your motivations and help us consider what you hope to achieve from therapy.

The first session is an opportunity for you to evaluate whether you feel comfortable with me as your therapist. Establishing a sense of trust and rapport is fundamental to the therapy, and it's essential that you feel confident and secure in our working relationship. This initial meeting will give you a chance to ask any questions you might have about the process, my therapeutic approach, and anything else that will help you make an informed decision about continuing our work together.

It’s important to remember that the therapeutic relationship is collaborative. Your input and feedback are vital to the process. I am here to support you, but it is a mutual effort to achieve the outcomes you desire. Our first session is just the beginning of what can be a productive journey for you.

This session is also a time for you to reflect on your own readiness and commitment to the process. Engaging in therapy requires openness, honesty, and a willingness to explore sometimes difficult emotions and experiences. It's perfectly natural to feel uncertain or apprehensive at the start, and we can talk through any concerns you may have.

Ultimately, the goal of our first meeting is to set the foundation for a therapeutic journey that is both effective and meaningful. By the end of this session, you will have a sense of what to expect from therapy and whether you feel I am the right fit for you. This initial meeting is a crucial step of the therapeutic journey.