Paddy Kershaw
Paddy is an Integrative Psychotherapist and an accredited member of the BACP. His approach to therapy is informed primarily by the psychodynamic, humanistic and existential schools of thought.
From Paddy:
If you’re feeling stuck or distressed then approaching a therapist and beginning to open up can seem like a daunting step. That said, I really believe that the more collaborative therapy is, the more effective it is.
As such, a key part of our work together will be to create a warm, respectful and trusting relationship in which we can really explore and reflect on your challenges more closely. Being an Integrative Psychotherapist means I can listen with a trained ear and draw from a number of different psychological viewpoints to help you understand and negotiate with the problems in living that have led you to reach out for help.
Whilst I’m familiar with the language of psychiatric diagnosis and disorder, I place greatest value on the personal and subjective experience of my clients. Upholding an atmosphere of safety, dignity and acceptance sits at the top of my list of priorities.
I’ve worked full-time in the field since 2017 and have held therapist roles in several private rehabilitation clinics, a psychiatric hospital, a charity counselling organisation, an NHS service and the Metropolitan Police. In these settings I’ve provided short and longer-term therapeutic support for people from a diverse range of backgrounds affected by forms of psychological and emotional hardship including (but not limited to):
· anxiety
· low mood
· volatile emotions
· lack of direction and purpose
· bereavement or feelings of loss
· conflict or unhappiness in relationships
· a sense of emptiness or meaninglessness
· issues with confidence, self-esteem and identity
· struggles around alcohol, substances and other compulsive behaviour
I hold a master’s degree in Integrative Psychotherapy from Regent’s University London. Prior to becoming a psychotherapist I had a 10-year career as a tree surgeon.