Hi, I’m Lee.
With over a decade of working in adult acute psychiatry, I bring a wealth of experience to my therapeutic practice, having worked with a broad and diverse mix of mental health presentations. My foundational education is in mental health nursing, graduating in 2014 with a first-class honours degree from the University of East Anglia. My professional development continued further, with a post-graduate qualification in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT). My career path, marked by a persistent passion for understanding the human psyche, has been a dedicated quest to discover and implement meaningful solutions for alleviating distress.
My path into mental health was sparked by my own personal interest in the workings of the human mind and a lifelong interest in psychology. And upon qualifying as a mental health nurse, I knew straightaway that I wanted to work towards a career in some form of talking therapy. While my undergraduate studies in mental health nursing provided a firm theoretical framework, it was my subsequent qualification in DBT, along with my direct work with individuals in acute psychiatry, that really highlighted the importance of forming a strong therapeutic relationship with the individuals I work with. I’ve come to realise that, particularly in DBT, the therapeutic relationship acts as a powerful catalyst for change. I’ve learnt that it’s not merely a prerequisite; instead, it actively cultivates trust and validation, providing the essential safety for individuals to delve into their experiences and heal.
What is Dialectical Behaviour Therapy?
DBT is a type of psychotherapy that helps people learn and use new skills to manage intense emotions, reduce self-destructive behaviours, and improve relationships. Initially developed by Marsha Linehan to treat individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD) who experience chronic suicidal ideation, research has since shown DBT to be effective in treating a wide range of other mental health conditions and difficulties
Taking a DBT-informed approach to my private practice, I draw upon a specific set of skills that align with the principles and techniques of this evidence-based treatment. I will teach you mindfulness, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and emotion regulation skills. By gaining an understanding of how early childhood experiences may have shaped current beliefs and patterns of behaviour that no longer serve you, we will work together to implement these therapeutic skills in your day-to-day life to promote mental well-being and healing. The foundation of any DBT-informed work is the therapeutic relationship itself – meaningful change happens within a supportive and trusting atmosphere. For many, this relational dynamic can be a powerful catalyst for healing and growth.
Why ‘Say More’ with my Partner Valerie?
From my own lived experience of parental alienation, I recognise a significant gap in support services, particularly for men navigating their way through challenging experiences such as parental alienation. My own experiences inspired me to establish Say More with Valerie as a welcoming space for men and fathers seeking understanding and support. While we are committed to inclusivity and work with all individuals, I am passionate about ensuring there is a dedicated therapeutic space for men who may have felt their needs were previously unmet, to know they are seen at Say More. At Say More, we are confident that you will find a supportive environment to address these and other related issues.
Here at Say More we are dedicated to providing a compassionate and effective therapeutic experience. Isn’t it time we all say more about Parental Alienation (for instance)? If you take nothing more away from reading this, I would want you to “say more” about whatever problem you are having, so someone may be able to identify the issue and provide support.
Your Journey Starts Here
We know that life can be challenging, and you don’t have to face those challenges alone. If you’re ready to begin your journey of self-discovery and healing, we invite you to connect with us and get on our waiting list.
We look forward to hearing from you and being a part of your healing journey.
