Elizabeth Barnes

I currently have availability at different times of day, including Saturdays. Contact me for details.

Life can be challenging, and some experiences feel overwhelming, especially if you’re already carrying pain, confusion, or self-doubt. But you don't have to struggle on alone. 

I believe therapy should be a reflective space where you feel heard and gently supported to understand yourself in new ways. By speaking about painful experiences in a safe environment, they can start to feel more manageable.

As a psychodynamic therapist, rather than focusing only on what’s happening right now, I can explore with you how past experiences, relationships, and patterns may still be shaping how you think and feel. This deeper understanding often brings lasting change, not just temporary relief. 

I work collaboratively, meaning we go at your pace, and sessions are shaped around what you bring. We can think together about whatever you wish to share. 

Alongside deeper exploration, we can work to strengthen your inner resources and emotional resilience, and change behaviours that no longer serve you. 

How therapy with me can help

People often come to therapy feeling overwhelmed or stuck. Over time, many clients find that therapy helps them make sense of painful or confusing emotions and find self-acceptance. 

Speaking about your difficulties in depth can help you find a different perspective and feel more secure, confident, and able to cope.

Therapy can also enable you to understand and break repeating unhelpful patterns in relationships and behaviours, such as addiction, binging or self-harm.

Areas I help with

I have particular experience supporting people who've been through challenging or traumatic life experiences.

This includes: 

• Family issues 

• Abuse

• Baby loss, IVF and fertility issues

• Mental health difficulties, low confidence and self-esteem

• Addiction 

I understand how isolating these experiences can be, especially when it feels like others don’t understand what you’re going through. Therapy offers a confidential space where all feelings—grief, anger, shame—are welcome. 

About me

I have a Masters degree in Psychodynamic Psychotherapy from Birkbeck University, and I work as a therapist at a mental health charity alongside my private practice. I am also trained in Mentalization Based Treatment (MBT) and Motivational Interviewing.

I previously trained as a social worker and worked for over 20 years in mental health and addiction services. I have also provided group and individual MBT in NHS services. I bring my knowledge of mental health and addiction to my therapy practice.

Practicalities

We can meet in person or online, sessions last for 50 minutes.

I offer either open-ended or fixed-term therapy.

Please contact me by text or email if you would like to arrange an initial free call to talk through ways of working.

The first session will be an assessment to explore what brings you to therapy and if we are a good fit to work together.

You will have a chance to ask any questions you might have about therapy and the way we will work.

It's important to find a therapist that's the right fit for you.The free consultation and initial session can help you decide if you want to go forward and work with me.