Shoreditch may not be Sunny right now ...

But the space is pretty cosy (If I say so myself)

Usually I write reflective pieces about theory, the struggles in the world, but I wanted to talk about one of the studios I work in today: Shoreditch.

Let me set the scene, you enter a warmly lit studio, cosy lamps, an abundance of greenery climbing around bookshelves, and framing the space delicately. The kettle is boiling, a carafe of water is set beside your favourite seat (maybe the cosy sofa or the lightly rocking chair). Being a walk from Shoreditch High Street station the hustle and bustle provides just a gentle hum outside, enough in the distance to not be a distraction. The scent of the space is filled with the light breeze of essential oils: lemongrass and other gentle, natural florals - almost spa like. The large glass windows remind you of a greenhouse, you can see so much of the sky and outside, and you can imagine that when it is sunny it is warm in here. You take the blanket on the arm of the chair, and, finally, you select your refreshment of choice and settle in for our session.

Shoreditch therapy space

I think a lot of people start therapy with assumptions (totally normal!). The particular assumptions I hear are: "you're going to fix me/I want you to fix me", "I expect therapy to be about telling me what to do to make my life better" or "I expect therapy to be super clinical". However therapy is a space wherein I am not the centre either - which includes the idea of being this 'fixer' - If only I had a magic wand! What therapy offers is a space to explore, to reflect, to be challenged and to see things in a fresh new way and to be armed with tools along the way to non-judgemtally support your developing understanding of your experiences and to use these to shift how you go about your life. All this to say, it is pretty nice to explore all of these things in a cosy atmosphere.

When I work with clients we do a lot of talking - absolutely. However we also utilise 'play' and other forms of expression to navigate experiences, challenges, or emotions. For example, as pictured below, I use drawing, colouring and even sand trays to help us understand your expriences. I also provide 'fidgets' to help ground and navigate comfortably and accessibly (particularly in the case of neurodivergent experiences).

A large sand tray, 3 tiers of objects to explore in the sand tray, a colouring pad and a range of coloured pens to explore in the space!

It has been quite dark in the evenings, but this hasn't taken away from the warming aspect of the space!

The space in the evening in mid-winter.

If you would like to start your therapy journey, and Shoreditch feels like a good fit for you, please do have a read through the way I work and how I can support you here. You can also reach out to me via my contact form here, and we can have a chat about what you are looking for in our work together. I currently have availability in Shoreditch on Friday, and in Buckhurst Hill on Thursdays and Wednesdays. I look forward to hearing from you!

I hope you have a restful weekend and take good care,

Cat :)

Is therapy for me?

Today's accompanying tune: