Tim Synge

In Core Process work, the idea is to slow one’s inner-world down, to pay attention, and to start to become aware of what is holding this sense of self together. The intention is to open to a subtler level of reality where one can apprehend process. In the work we distinquish between the mind that is conditioned by the body and the aspect of mind that is distinct from the body. We become very curious how the mind and body are connected particularly through the experience of feeling because it is feeling that engages both mind and body together. There is a bodily experience and an awareness of it and the two meet at the subtle level of energy described as the subtle body. Awareness of this subtle body is so important, because this sense of self arose out of sensory felt experience very early on in development. Perhaps a key difference in Core Process psychotherapy from some, but not all psychotherapy traditions is that the practitioner is expected to be deeply affected by the client. It is only by being deeply affected with the presence of the client, by having the internal embodied capacities to work with those affects and to maintain authentic relationship, that the client may feel that there is a ‘working through’ of deeply held issues. This can occur at all sorts of levels both personal, historical and if you do believe in something that are qualities of human mind that are beyond the cognitive, a quality of deep wisdom becomes available to support this joint practice of enquiry. Within an environment of respect and warmth, my aim is to honour the uniqueness of your process in a nonjudgemental way without any prescribed agenda and to help you find your own way of working. Practiced within this atmosphere of joint-enquiry and compassion, the approach understands awareness to be intrinsically healing and supportive of our discovering greater choice and freedom in our lives. I see my role to be that of a reflector and facilitator to your increasing awareness, a companion in your process.

Confidentiality is an absolutely crucial component in the effectiveness of psychotherapy. Client confidentiality is held sacred and there is no normal circumstance where your confidentiality would not be absolute. However, there are exceptions where normal confidentiality will be waived, such as if you are a danger to yourself or others, when there are legal limits on the extent of confidentiality, or when you give me written permission to disclose information to someone else. In the interests of both client and therapist, the UKCP requires members to incorporate supervision into the therapist’s clinical practice. This means that I use the services of another psychotherapist to review my work with clients, without identifying you by name. I work according to the UKCP Code of Ethics which can be seen on request. I am covered by professional indemnity insurance.

I offer both short-term or open-ended psychotherapy. The number of sessions will depend on you and the depth and complexity of the issues you want to resolve. Core Process Psychotherapy is most effective when continued for a year or more. However, people grow, heal and change at a different pace, everyone’s situation is different, and so the healing process will be different for each of us. Long term therapy does have a beginning, a middle and an end and we would regularly review our work together keeping in mind the original intention.

I do not offer fortnightly or ad hoc sessions. In my experience, therapy requires commitment and needs to be on a regular weekly basis.

We would aim to discuss times of holiday breaks or unavoidable absences in advance. I am also happy to reschedule when possible so that it is rare that I will need to charge for missed sessions. I will also let you know my holiday dates in advance and take up to eight weeks per year.

My fees are from £70 for a full hour. The initial meeting is free of charge.

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialise in psychiatry and, unlike psychologists, psychotherapists or counsellors, are permitted to prescribe medication for psychological problems. Psychologists have a degree in psychology and are subsequently trained in specialist areas such as clinical, counselling, educational or other fields. Counselling psychologists are trained to practice at least two models of evidence-based therapies. A large number of Counselling Psychologists work in the NHS. It is difficult to draw a clear distinction between psychotherapists and counsellors and it is often a matter of opinion. There are actually no strict, official definitions and they are not protected titles. Some say psychotherapy goes deeper into your issues and emotions, and is longer-term work, and may be more about making a specific diagnosis. Some say counselling is more about a specific issue or situation, and is possibly time-limited. It really depends on the practitioner and how they choose to work.