NEW THERAPY SUITE AIMS TO BOOST PSYCHOLOGICAL WELLBEING

A new clinic which is home to a team of experts in psychological therapy has opened its doors at Earsham Hall near Bungay – with the aim of ‘making it easier for people to walk through the door and accept help’.

The Therapy Suite, which is headed up by Chartered Psychologist Dr Vikki Powell, was officially opened by South Norfolk MP Richard Bacon, who welcomed the new initiative, saying “there is not enough help out there – and it is very possible for unqualified people to do more harm than good”.

Based in the loft of a converted hayshed at the Hall, The Therapy Suite has been designed to provide professional therapy in a setting which is neither overtly clinical nor overly feminine – so that both men and women will feel comfortable in seeking help.

“Many people with psychological problems don’t necessarily identify themselves as being ill, so it is so important that they can come to a welcoming, non-threatening environment where they will feel comfortable,” said Dr Powell.

“It is equally important, however, that when they get here they can see properly qualified and experienced therapists, and so we will only have highly qualified, highly experienced therapists working here.”

Opening the new therapy suite, Mr Bacon said, “In my job I have people coming to my surgeries and bursting into tears, and it is clear that there is not enough help available out there.

“It is transparently obvious that Vikki and her team are passionate about what they do, and it is good to see a clinic which is built around properly qualified and experienced psychologists – it is very possible for unqualified people to do more harm than good.”

As a Chartered Psychologist, Dr Powell offers help with a full range of psychological problems, and has particular expertise in therapy for trauma, anxiety and relationship difficulties.  She also has specialist experience in eating disorders and military veteran’s health – and the new enterprise is offering a 20 per cent discount for serving and former members of the military.

Joining Dr Powell at The Therapy Suite are fellow Chartered Psychologist Dr Rebecca Start, and Specialist Psychological Therapist Elsa Athanasia.

The team offer a range of psychological therapies, including psychological counselling, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT), mindfulness, Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing (EMDR), compassion focused therapy and personal development coaching.

More details about the Therapy Suite can be found at www.thetherapysuite.co.uk.