A space to pause, reflect, and be met with care.
About Me - psychodynamic
psychotherapist /
art psychotherapist in Highcliffe, Dorset
Hi, I'm Jess (she/her). Over the past 13 years, I have worked therapeutically with young people and adults, supporting people experiencing trauma-related stress, anxiety, depression, addiction, burnout, low self-esteem, grief, loneliness, loss, and significant life transitions. I work from a trauma-informed perspective, recognising how past experiences can shape the nervous system, relationships, and sense of self.
My practice is inclusive and affirming, supporting neurodivergent individuals, people from marginalised and minority communities, and those navigating complex diagnoses, identity, and gender expansiveness. I aim to meet you where you are, working collaboratively in a way that feels safe, respectful, and attuned to your experience.
Reaching out for therapy often happens when something feels heavy, stuck, or difficult to shift, or when familiar patterns keep repeating. You may not yet have clear words for what is happening - only a sense that something needs care, understanding, or change.
I came to psychodynamic art psychotherapy from a deep belief that people carry an innate capacity for healing within themselves. Even when feelings or behaviours feel overwhelming, confusing, or self-defeating, I believe they hold meaning and make sense in the context of a person’s history and experience.
Working with me
I offer both art psychotherapy and talking therapy, adapting the approach to each person’s needs and preferences. Both provide supportive ways to understand experiences and encourage personal growth.
A psychodynamic approach looks beneath the surface - to explore how past experiences, early relationships, and unconscious patterns may shape a person's life today. I focus on the whole person - their history, body, imagination, and relationships - creating a space for insight, expression, and development.
I work with dreams and symbolic material, as well as creative and somatic approaches when this feels helpful. Sometimes art materials or breath-work can access feelings that words alone cannot reach and help the body come into "rest and digest", supporting clients to access their own inner calm.
My work is rooted in compassion, curiosity, and a genuine respect for the complexity of each person’s inner world. Rather than seeing symptoms as problems to be fixed, I see them as communications signals from parts of the self that need attention, understanding, and care. Therapy becomes a space where those parts can be heard safely, and where insight and change can emerge organically over time.
What issues can I help you with?
People come to me for help with a wide range of issues. Here are a few of the more common difficulties that can be supported through psychotherapy:
Depression
Problems with confidence or self-esteem
Anger management
Issues relating to sexuality
Women's reproductive health
Difficulties at work or in retirement
Problems with family or school life
Feelings of stress or anxiety
Relationship problems
Grief, loss or bereavement
Problems with addiction
Complex trauma and post-traumatic stress
low to medium risk eating disorders
In-Person, Online psychotherapy and/or art psychotherapy in Dorset
Sessions can take place in Highcliffe or at Forest Equine Therapy (located in Thorney Hill). This is easily accessible from Christchurch, Mudeford, Barton-on-Sea, Bournemouth and all surrounding areas.
Online sessions are also available via Doxy.me / WhatsApp or Google Meet.
Sessions and Fees
Sessions are 50 minutes long and usually take place on a weekly basis. I also provide a limited number of spaces for those on a low-income or for students.
Note that if you want to cancel an appointment I require 48 hours; notice; otherwise you will still need to pay for any sessions missed. I accept payment in cash, or by bank transfer.
- Sessions start at £60.
- Student and lower-income rate: £50 per session.
Get in touch
Please feel free to contact me with any questions about how therapy may support you, whether you are enquiring for yourself or as a parent, carer, or professional. You are also welcome to get in touch to arrange an initial assessment, where we can explore what brings you to therapy, whether it may be helpful, and whether I am the right therapist for you.
All enquires are usually answered within 24 hours, and all contact is strictly confidential and uses secure phone and email services.