Cambridge
Fliss Cadbury Psychotherapist
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is essentially a unique and particular kind of conversation between two people: it takes place in a peaceful and private space and is an opportunity to reflect on and speak about those aspects of life which may be painful or confusing and difficult to talk about elsewhere. It is a way for people to begin to better understand themselves and become more able to recognise harmful patterns of thinking and behaving which may impact negatively on relationships and on our capacity to live a full and satisfying life.
People may decide to come to therapy because they experience feelings of distress, anxiety, stuckness and frustration or because life comes to feel unbearable at times. Working together, the therapist and the client explore these experiences and in the process try to make sense of the thoughts and feeling that may lie beneath them.
As R. D. Laing pointed out ‘the irreducible elements of a psychotherapy are a therapist, a patient and a regular and reliable time and place. But given these it is not so easy for two people to meet’
"Often it is only through talking to another person that we can come to know what it is that we really think and truly feel."
Paul Gordon
My practice
I trained at the Philadelphia Association in London - an organisation that was founded in 1965 by RD Laing and colleagues to challenge the established ways of working with mental distress. I continue to be influenced by the PA ethos which favours a creative approach to therapy and a willingness to question the social norms that sometimes contribute to someone's unhappiness. I am currently on the Philadelphia Association training committee and teach on the PA training courses from time to time.
Central to my work is a belief in the value of ordinary ways of living and being together - I believe that community and inclusive conversation have the power to alleviate what disturbs people and once conversation begins, paths open up that lead away from isolation and despair to greater dignity and freedom. I have practiced in a broad range of organisational settings, including the NHS and Emmaus Cambridge and currently work part-time for the Cambridge University Counselling Service and Girton College, in addition to my private practice in central Cambridge.
Individual Therapy
I have a private practice in central Cambridge and offer both open ended and time-limited psychotherapy, in which we decide together on the duration of the work and the particular areas to focus on. Generally, we would meet weekly or sometimes more frequently, usually for 50 minute sessions. As a rule, I work with people in person although it may be possible to schedule some remote sessions if necessary.
Couples Therapy
I see couples for both open ended and time-limited therapy with a male colleague - also an experienced psychotherapist. We have worked together for a number of years and feel that this model enables us to ensure that everyone feels heard and seen and that neither partner feels that their therapist has sided with one or the other. ln couples therapy sessions, we aim to work together, collaboratively, to explore current problems and obstacles within the relationship.
Practicalities
Sessions are available throughout the week, both during the day and some evenings.
Fees (including initial assessments) are £60 per 50 minute session for one to one therapy and £100 per session for work with couples, although I may have some low cost spaces available from time to time. I have a 24 hour cancellation policy, otherwise sessions will be charged at the full rate.