Why should you choose psychotherapy from Freedom Therapy?
Freedom Therapy is based in Belper, Derbyshire where we have a private therapy room. Belper is easy to reach with direct regular train access from Duffield, Derby and Matlock. Our therapy room is on the A6 so is easily commutable from Ashbourne, Darley Abbey, Allestree and beyond for those looking for psychotherapy.
Counselling is provided by Nicola Tatham, CPsychol AFBPsS, a qualified psychologist and psychotherapist with more than 20 years’ experience in these fields. As well as gaining a Post Graduate Diploma in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy from the University of Derby, Nicola also holds a Master’s Degree in Occupational Psychology from the University of Hull.
“The therapy I offer is confidential and non-judgemental. One size certainly does not fit all and being trained in a range of approaches means that I can be flexible. I regard each person as an individual and will work with you in a way that suits you best.”
“To achieve results I find a combination of Person-Centred Counselling (PCC), Attachment Theory and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) works well. I listen, I ask, I challenge and I support – all in a very sensitive manner, and sometimes with a little humour, where appropriate.”
You are welcome to join Nicola for a free 20-minute initial assessment to discover whether she is the right therapist for you.
About the theories
Person-Centred Counselling
Person-centred therapy (PCT) is based on the assumption that everyone is an individual and that we all have a basic tendency towards being the best we can be. My practice is aligned with the belief that with the right conditions everyone has the capacity and desire to strive to become who they want to be. My role is to try and create the conditions that will allow you to do so.
This approach also means helping you to develop an understanding of how you see yourself based on your life experiences and the expectations placed on you by others.
Alongside this, I will help you to remember what your ‘real self’ looks like. If we strip away the expectations that people and society place on you, who really are YOU? By understanding these two aspects of yourself, you will begin to form a picture of what you want to be. By being there for you and not judging you, I can help you to get there.
Attachment Theory
Attachment theory allows you to consider how your adult life links to the people, relationships and environments you experienced as a child. The relationships and experiences we had growing up inevitably influence our experiences as an adult. We form opinions and expectations of ourselves and others, and in the longer term, these feed into the decisions we make and the perspectives we hold about life.
By helping you to unpack your own experiences, you should begin to understand the impact that your formative years have had on you as an adult and can use this understanding to move forwards.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) considers how we think about situations and how this affects the way we then act. Our actions can affect how we think and feel, and also the way our body feels. By applying this approach, we will consider how you think about the world and create meaning about the situations and events you experience and the related automatic thoughts that you experience that might be causing you distress.
By being more aware of your thought patterns and the impact they are having on you, I can support you as you try to challenge them and start to make changes to your behaviour.