SOPHIE WATERHOUSE MA MBACP
Counselling • Psychotherapy • Expressive Arts Therapy

Counselling & Psychotherapy in West Hampstead, North West London NW6 and Islington North London N1

Hello. Thank you for visiting my website. I am
a psychotherapist working in West Hampstead and Islington. I am a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and offer both short-term and long-term counselling and psychotherapy to adults.


Why Seek Counselling & Psychotherapy?

Sometimes the pressures of everyday life can take over to the point where we become disconnected from our deepest sense of ourselves and what brings us fulfilment. Counselling and psychotherapy give us time and space in which to explore our thoughts and feelings in a confidential, non-judgmental environment. In talking through our experience, we are reminded of who we truly are, what matters to us, and what makes us feel most fulfilled.

There are also times when, though we may be content in ourselves, external events create crisis. Job loss, bereavement, the breakdown of a relationship, can shatter our equilibrium. Even welcome changes such as moving to a new location for work or study, getting married, deciding to start a family, are life transitions that can create stress and anxiety.

Talking in depth with friends and loved ones about our difficulties is not always possible or enough. While working on issues with a psychotherapist there is no risk of causing hurt or creating a rift by exploring feelings that might upset others. Counselling and psychotherapy can help us find fresh insight and perspective, and help us develop new strategies for coping with the challenges we face.

My Approach

My approach is humanistic, which means that I see each of us as having innate resources and potential to draw on and develop. We usually have the answers we need within us, but sometimes it can be difficult to hear ourselves amid the noise of everyday life. Even the noise of our own thoughts and worries can prevent us from hearing our deepest selves. I work with clients to develop self-awareness that is both of immediate practical use in everyday life and supports long-term personal development.

In addition to offering talk counselling and psychotherapy, I have a specialist training in the therapeutic use of the arts and draw on visual arts, drama, poetry, creative writing and sandplay techniques where appropriate. Using the arts in sessions can be helpful in expressing feelings that are difficult to talk about. It can also help us to unlock creative energy and find new solutions. There is no pressure, however, to engage with the arts if you prefer simply to talk.

What Next?

If you would like to book a first session, please telephone me on
(07877) 453 477 or e-mail me at sw@sw-psychotherapy.co.uk. For more information on locations and fees, click on practice details. My locations are convenient for North and North West London and easily accessible from central London.

For a new arts-based group for women starting in September 2010, please click on groups and workshops.