I am a qualified and UKCP registered Family Therapist – we are also known as Family/Systemic Psychotherapists. We think about ‘systems’ in the work that we do including families, couples and groups/teams (although we also work with individuals who want to think about the systems that they are in).
I am also Psychodynamically and Social Work trained although my career has led me into the systemic field working with those who want to improve or better understand the relationships that they are in, or have been in. I have significant experience in working with adolescents on the edge of care, paediatric oncology, Adult Mental health services, adolescent in-patient services and currently I work part time in the NHS leading a small team of therapists who support adults and their families with difficulties in their relationships. I also come from a family that has experienced significant struggles connected to mental health so I have some understanding of how it can affect individuals/families from a personal perspective.
My work starts from the premise that we are almost all doing the best with what we have got – sometimes we just need some support to ‘get us back on track’ or find the life that we want to lead. The therapy I undertake is not about apportioning blame or picking sides. My aim is to build upon strengths and to find meaning in what is going on in our systems, as well as to attempt to find change where desired.
Colleagues and I are currently in the process of building the ‘Bristol Family Therapy Collective’, a Community Interest Company that aims to provide future access to fee paying and pro bono, or accessible, support.
Away from work I am a keen Bristol Bears rugby fan, a lover of the great outdoors, and avid traveler
Qualifications:
Systemic Supervisors Course, Exeter University
MSc in Systemic Psychotherapy from Birkbeck, University College London
MSc in Psychodynamics of Human Development, Birkbeck, University College London
Advanced Award in Social Work, Bournemouth University
Diploma in Social Work/Higher Education, North London University
Fees:
I offer 1 hour sessions either online or face to face in Central Bristol at the following rates:
Individuals: £80
Couples: £90
Families/groups: £100
With my colleague Nina we can do a ‘reflecting team’ style therapy with 2 therapists for £150.
Contact: jonruchpaul.bftc@gmail.com