Meredith El-Jawhari, PhD
Psychotherapist and Clinical supervisor
About me:
The person:
I have always been deeply involved in people, relationships and what goes into a good life. The fuller answer is more personal. I grew up in a difficult environment and although many years have passed I understand that childhood effects can echo long into adult life. Recovery is rarely a straight line and one of the joys of my work is sitting alongside others as they begin to understand that their thoughts, feelings and actions make sense in the context of what they have lived through. I also am pleased to provide psychoeducation about the biological underpinning of our ways of thinking, feeling and acting. Each one of my clients adds to my store of knowledge & understanding which are then available to those that come after them as they leave benefitted for the experience of others in turn.
Professional Background:
I hold a BA(Hons) in Psychology and a PhD in Psychology. I also have a Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling. My continuing professional development reflects my commitment to practicing safely, ethically and thoughtfully. I have specialist training in bereavement, Somatic Trauma training (with Babette Rothschild), in suicide intervention, Solution Focused Therapy and the delivery of therapy in person, online and by telephone. I am a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy and abide by their Ethical Framework for good practice. I have been working as a therapist since 2013 and have accumulated over 6000 hours of client experience.
"The greatest thing in the world is to know oneself"
What clients say about me:
“You have been a shining star during many a dark day”
“I wake up happy and go to bed happy and the bits in between are pretty good too, so once again a massive thank you for everything”
D.G
“Kind, calm, intelligent, observant and self reflective”
“Meredith worked with me to help connect my feelings and understand myself more holistically.”
L.P
“No matter what life throws at you, her counselling skills are first class”
“Meredith’s demeanour, confidence, and ability to challenge my thoughts, with compassion meant I really did get exactly what I needed. Her compassion and empathy towards me, from the very first session, meant I trusted her immediately and wholeheartedly.”
R.E
“I feel myself growing into the person I want to be…with all your kindness and understanding it makes me less afraid to open up and life fully”
C.C
How I work:
Beginning therapy can feel like a significant step. Many people come to therapy during times when life feels overwhelming, uncertain or difficult. Others are not in crisis but have a growing sense that something in their lives, relationships, work or way of being needs closer attention
Rather than offering advice or trying to direct your decisions – I listen and ask gentle questions so we can consider your experiences, relationships, emotions, beliefs, values and the patterns that have developed over your life. Sometimes therapy brings clarity, sometimes more uncertainty and new questions.
Therapy moves at a pace set by you. There is no expectation that you arrive knowing exactly what to say or where to begin. I provide regular reviews of our work. I help you set goals and review these goals as we progress together.
My Areas of Practice
Emotional Wellbeing:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Stress
- Low mood
- Self esteem
- Shame
Relationships
- Relationship issues
- Wider family relationships
- Loneliness
- Boundaries
- Infidelity
Trauma and Recovery
- Trauma
- Childhood experiences
- Complex Trauma
- PTSD & Adult trauma
Loss & Bereavement
- Bereavement
- Anticipatory grief
- Complex grief
- Life transitions
- Relationship endings
Life & Identity
- Meaning & Purpose
- Life transitions
- Identity
- Aging
- Existential concerns
Enhancing life
- Check balance in life areas
- Time management
- Personal growth
- Enhanced emotional resilience