Margaret Ross , Psychotherapist

Diploma in Counselling, Institute of Arts in Therapy and Education (IATE) , accredited by the University of East London

Masters Degree in Psychotherapy and Art Therapy (Distinction) , Institute of Arts in Therapy and Education (IATE), accredited by the University of East London

I am a fully qualified psychotherapist and Integrative Arts Therapist with over 10 years experience of working both privately and within a multi-disciplinary team in the NHS.

I have knowledge and experience of working therapeutically with adults on the Autism Spectrum. I understand the particular challenges that may affect people with or without an official diagnosis.

My approach is person centred and geared to each individual client’s specific needs and difficulties. However, I am informed by both psychodynamic and CBT approaches, particularly by my training in ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) which modified can be extremely helpful for clients on the Autism Spectrum.

I believe that the aim of therapy is to help the person involved move towards a more manageable relationship with their particular situation, which will be different for each individual. The therapeutic relationship offers a safe and confidential space to both explore and assist the person in thinking about their feelings and difficulties in a way that facilitates a positive outcome and a reduction in adverse symptoms and unhelpful patterns of behaviour.

I am also able to offer Art Therapy which combines talking with the possibility of using art materials. Creativity and Psychotherapy are inter-connected at a fundamental level, however the client does not need to have any previous experience or aptitude. The act of making images and objects can also help to reveal aspects of a person’s experience in the world that may be less accessible through words alone.

My particular areas of interest and experience are:

Autism/ Neurodiversity

Anxiety/Depression

OCD

Eating disorders

Developmental trauma

Self harm

Domestic abuse