Psychotherapy & counselling in Walthamstow and Highams Park/Woodford Green, East London
I’m Jonathan Pollard, I offer integrative psychotherapy and counselling to individual adults in Walthamstow and Highams Park/Woodford Green, East London, and also online.
What will happen in sessions?
For many people, the thought of starting therapy can feel unsettling and a bit scary. I aim to create a safe and supportive space where you can allow yourself to feel and think, where you will be heard. Therapy will challenge you and be painful at times - it will also be empowering, energising and change you in ways you hadn’t expected.
At its most basic level, therapy is simply a conversation where you can begin to work things through. Many people often feel relief at simply getting their story out to another person who is willing to listen without fearing judgement, who is available and reliable. Some come with a clear life goal to achieve, whilst others may not know what they need, other than simply wanting to feel more at ease with themselves. Often the root of a problem is hidden from view and so people need help to uncover this. Through collaborating with another person, therapy offers an alternative, that liberation from old patterns is possible.
Theoretical approach
If you have a specific interest in my theoretical approach:
I describe myself as an integrative therapist.
The word ‘integrative’ is used to describe the integration of different strands. Broadly these are existential, psychodynamic and relational. I am interested in the existential - how the difficulties of existing as a human in this world affect you, and how you might adapt to deal with them. I also might consider how relationships (particularly early on in life) have formed your character, and may unconsciously influence the thoughts you have and choices you make. I also believe that as humans we want to belong, and that often this need is thwarted by difficulties in relationships. Therefore a big part of my work is to establish a good working relationship with you. In the words of Irvin Yalom, ‘it’s the relationship that heals.’
My experience
I have experience working with a broad range of clients in both short and long term therapy. As well as my private practice, I have experience working at the Metanoia Counselling and Psychotherapy Service, and at the Centre for Better Health, Hackney.
I am a BACP member (membership number 01021291). I work within the BACP ethical framework.
I have completed three years of diploma level 6 Integrative psychotherapy training and am currently in the final stage of an MSc in Integrative Psychotherapy at the Metanoia Institute, London.
Working together
I offer talking therapy to individual adults (18+) in central Walthamstow E17, and in Highams Park/Woodford Green, East London, E4/IG8. Each session lasts 50 minutes and can be in person or online. I charge £60-80 per session. I ask that you choose your own payment level based on what you’re able to afford.
The first step is to contact me via the form below and we can arrange to meet. If you prefer, I also offer a free 15 minute introductory call if you have any questions or simply want to get a feel for how it might be for us to work together. I look forward to meeting you soon.
Get in touch
To get in touch, please call or message me on 07743 597358 or email me using the form on this page.
Sessions take place at the following address: East London Therapy, 185A Hoe Street, London, E17 3AP, or in Highams Park, IG8 9LQ.