Individual Psychotherapy
“You cannot prevent the birds of sorrow from flying over your head, but you can prevent them from building nests in your hair”
Chinese proverb
Life can be overwhelming, leaving you feeling burdened by the past and unfulfilled by the present. This can manifest in conditions such as depression, anxiety, burnout, and a loss of sense of self. Medication may help short term but can not deal with root causes. Over the past two decades, Eugene has developed his psychotherapeutic approach to help bring long-lasting change to people’s relationships with themselves, others, and the wider world around them.
About Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is an in-depth psychological process exploring your relationship with self, others and your environment. Psychotherapy is different from a conversation with a friend or trusted colleague. It is a highly specialist clinical method where the psychotherapist expertly tracks and guides the interaction with their client. Treatment focuses on addressing psychological distress, unresolved issues, and unfulfilled desires in your life. In general, psychotherapy can help you to:
Work through mental health issues.
Overcome past traumas.
Gain deep insight into your past, present, and future self (conscious and unconscious).
Let go of deep-rooted patterns (repeating thoughts, feelings, and behaviours) that hold you back.
Develop healthier relationships with yourself, others, and the world around you.
Develop a deeper sense of meaning and fulfillment.
Develop the confidence and courage to live a self-expressed and creative life.
Who Comes to Psychotherapy
Sometimes, people come to psychotherapy with a specific mental health issue or life situation they want to work on. But you don't need to bring a named topic. You might sense that something fundamental is missing or needs to change in your life. The desire to explore and learn about yourself is more than enough for the process to make a transformative difference in your life.
Here are some of the specific reasons people come to psychotherapy, and Eugene has extensive experience working with:
Acute/chronic anxiety
Acute/chronic depression (including suicidal thoughts)
Burn-out
Low self-esteem and self-worth
Gender identity and sexuality related issues
Living with a Personality Disorder
Loss of meaning and purpose in life
Loss of sense of self
Mid-life transition
Trauma and abuse
About sessions
Eugene offers in-person sessions in central London, online, or in safe and private outdoor spaces. Sessions are typically one hour weekly or 90 minutes twice monthly. However, the format can be adapted if, for example, you have a job that involves occasional travel.
People and their life experiences are different. Eugene’s approach is very much to attune to your individual needs and work alongside you at the pace that works best for you. Through guided discussions and exercises, Eugene creates a safe and stimulating space for you to be listened to, process difficult emotions, and explore changes in your life. Over time, sessions become more insightful as you gain a deeper understanding of your past, present, and future self.
Are sessions just talking?
Exploring difficult memories, thoughts, and feelings through words alone can be challenging. This is where talking therapy can be ineffective. Eugene is highly trained in specialist drawing, writing, and movement techniques to help you process thoughts and feelings, particularly when you feel ‘stuck’ or unable to let go of past experiences. This creative approach aligns with the growing evidence in psychology and neuroscience that psychotherapy is most effective when the mind, body, and environment work together.
Are sessions all about the past?
People often ask why it is important to explore the past. The simple answer is that the ways we think and behave in our present lives are often governed by repeated unconscious patterns. When these patterns are unhealthy or inhibiting, understanding how they came about can transform our lives today. Getting to the root of these behavioral patterns is the most effective way to generate lasting change.
What happens between sessions?
Through the process, you will learn much about yourself and how you relate to the world. But it takes more than insight to generate personal change and transformation. In the sessions, you will also explore new ways of thinking and behaving toward yourself, others, and the world around you and how to experiment and practice these in your everyday life.
How long does psychotherapy take?
People often ask how long psychotherapy takes. Generally, it is best to think in terms of months and sometimes years, but not necessarily more than two years. Eugene will work with you to review the process regularly, make any necessary adjustments, and determine treatment length. Although the process takes time, psychotherapy can enable long-lasting change and allow individuals to let go of past experiences, gain greater confidence in their sense of self, and lead more creative and fulfilling lives.
Is psychotherapy regulated?
Yes. Psychotherapy is regulated in the United Kingdom by several bodies. These regulatory bodies ensure that the psychotherapist you choose is sufficiently trained, qualified, and regulated in their clinical work. Eugene is a member of three U.K. regulatory bodies: the UK Council of Psychotherapists, the Health and Care Professions Council, and the British Association of Art Therapists.
Getting in touch
If you have questions or want to organize an initial consultation, please email Eugene directly: email@eugenehughes.com