Individual Adult Counselling and Psychotherapy
‘Be yourself, everyone else is taken’
Oscar Wilde
About Me
Welcome to Candida Benson Therapy
I am a fully accredited Integrative Arts Psychotherapist MA and a
registered member of UKCP (UK Council for Psychotherapy) and HCPC
(Healthcare Professions Council).
In addition to Private Practice, I have worked as a Psychotherapist in the NHS (Camden & Islington North London Foundation Trust, and Barnet, Enfield & Haringey Mental Health Trust); also for the charity Clean Break.
Training to become a Psychotherapist followed a long career in the Arts. At
the heart of both disciplines is a rigorous and collaborative inquiry into
what it means to be human, in all its complexity and potential. This is
what we think about and hold in therapy sessions.
I offer clients a safe, non judgemental space where they can be curious about who they are. The greater the self knowledge, the greater the agency to make healthier choices. I will help you broaden the range of choices, and finesse the tools to support their use.
My Approach
Integrative Arts Psychotherapy (IAP) explained
IAP is rooted in the study of different theoretical schools. This range of learning allows flexibility for each client. Like an old-fashioned radio, IAP can tune into *your *specific experience and use the most appropriate approach. It aims to dial down the white noise of emotional pain, and introduce healthier, happier frequencies.
Using the Arts
IAP is predominantly talking therapy. However communication can also be non-verbal. Life experience is processed physically as well as mentally. In IAP we pay attention to all the clues.
Sometimes when words are painful or difficult, using the Arts is helpful. Resources such as image making, sandtray, clay and bodywork can all stimulate further ways of expressing oneself. The Arts are able to help deepen the therapeutic process, thus releasing a more creative and resilient self.
What Happens
I offer a complimentary 20 minute phone call to find out a bit more about you and your hopes and goals for therapy. It is a chance for you to ask me any questions you might have about the process. We will then find a convenient time to meet, ideally in person, for a weekly 50 min session. Regular sessions help establish a strong therapeutic relationship, and a consistent space for effective healing.
What issues can Psychotherapy help with?
Psychotherapy can help with a wide range of issues, some of the more common difficulties that can be supported are:
Anxiety
Depression
Trauma
PTSD and Complex PTSD
Relationships
Grief, loss bereavement
Addictive behaviour/patterns
Abuse
Family dynamics
Interpersonal relationships
Confidence/self esteem
Anger management
Eating Disorders
Issues at work/in retirement
Location & Fees
I offer short and long term therapy from various locations in Central and North-East London. The central location (EC1) is convenient for Old Street, Barbican, the City of London, the West End, Kings Cross, Angel, Clerkenwell and Farringdon. I also work from NW5 which is close to Tufnell Park, Archway, Highgate and Islington.
I offer online and telephone counselling for those who cannot make face-to-face sessions.
Sessions last 50 minutes, usually taking place on a weekly basis.
Price on enquiry.
I also provide a limited number of spaces for those on low income - contact me to enquire about availability.
Get in touch
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions or to arrange an appointment.
You can also call or text me on +44 7831 614935 if you would prefer to leave a message or speak to me first.