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Dr Mattie Idema-Sharman

Chartered Clinical Psychologist

My Philosophy

My philosophy of care is at heart humanist and relationship focused. As human beings, we are given a life to live as part of our family, tribe, society and the globe on which we all reside. We are all wonderfully unique and different, but I have no doubt that what we have in common is that most of us desire to live life with a sense of balance within ourselves as well as feeling connected, nurtured and valued by others around us.

My philosophy is existential and person-centred in orientation. Sometimes it feels clear what meaning, purpose and paths we should tread, but often our lives become imbued with doubt, obstacles and disappointment, obscuring any clarity. Sometimes we feel we belong and fit well with others in our environment whilst often we may feel at odds with family, friends and those in charge of our world. Therapy can offer a relationship where such concerns and difficulties can be explored with honesty, curiosity and acceptance.

My philosophy is also pragmatic and re-solution focused in purpose. Most of us seek therapy to achieve a clearer understanding of what ails us and why, and to develop a clear and agreed plan on how we will work towards relief and a resolution of our troubles. Doing this together with a positive touch and some humour can lighten the road ahead.

My Approach

Like many psychologists, my therapeutic approach is now an integration of the many therapies and theories I have trained in, studied and applied along the way, a journey of more than 35 years through a range of services and settings.

I am trained and experienced in a range of psychological therapies, including Psychodynamic psychotherapy and Attachment focused psychotherapy; Systemic Family and Organisational Work, NVR and SPACE; Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR); Cognitive Behavioural, Metallisation, Compassion and Solution Focussed Interventions. I am experienced in assessing and working therapeutically with Neurodevelopmental challenges and abilities.  I will draw on different perspectives and approaches, depending on each person’s unique needs.

Motivation

My own family background brought me in touch with psychiatric and mental health services from an early age. What I learnt from those experiences was that I would never wish anyone else’s loved ones to go through the same. I decided I wanted to learn to provide care and treatment in a better and kinder way.

I value mutual respect and collaboration and I see my role as a facilitator of greater understanding and the exploration of clients’ own resources and needs. Therapy at it’s best can help build greater trust in the therapist and greater confidence in ourselves to change, learn and move on.

QUALIFICATIONS

BA in Psychology
PhD - Research in Adolescent Identity Development
MSc in Clinical Psychology

THERAPIES I PRACTICE

Integrated Psychotherapy
CBT, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Systemic Therapy
EMDR Therapy

WHAT CAN I HELP WITH

Relationship Issues
Depression & Unhappiness
Identity issues
Anger Problems
Stress & Burnout
Eating Disorders
Anxiety & Panic
Insomnia & Sleep Problems