_JPG.jpg)
Meet the Psychotherapist
Debi Magonet
I am an integrative psychotherapist and art psychotherapist based in Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire. My approach combines talking therapy with creative processes, drawing on psychodynamic, humanistic and integrative principles. I work with adults facing a wide range of challenges, from anxiety, depression and trauma to perinatal issues, grief and relationship difficulties. Central to my practice is offering a safe, supportive, non-judgemental space where we can build a trusting relationship and explore what matters most to you.
Specialisations
Psychotherapy and counselling is effective in addressing a wide range of concerns including stress, anxiety, trauma and self-exploration. Through the use of integrative techniques, I assist clients in navigating their emotional landscapes and fostering personal growth.
Approaches
I offer a flexible approach to therapy. This means we can work in different ways depending on what feels right for you. Some people prefer to focus on talking therapy and others may want to use creative methods such as the arts, movement, music or writing . You are free to explore one or several of these options, or simply have a conversation. Together we can find the approach that best supports your needs.
Talking Therapy
While I offer a range of creative approaches, therapy does not have to involve the arts. We can simply sit and talk together about what is happening in your life or what arises in the room. Sometimes words are all that is needed and creating a safe, reflective space for conversation can be just as powerful as working through images or materials.
Sand
Sand play enables a client to select
objects, figurines or small toys to represent aspects of self of other people in their lives as rich
metaphorical objects. Using a sand tray to arrange and situate objects can bring insight to one’s interpersonal relationships and difficulties and with
the capacity to move figures and objects, explore alternative or other ways of relating or being with
oneself or others.
Puppetry
Through selecting and working with
puppets, clients can be facilitated in exploring aspects of self they wouldn’t feel confident to explore in everyday life, or bring different puppets together to represent different people in their lives to explore and ‘experiment’ with seeing and understanding different
perspectives and ways of being. Puppetry can be extremely powerful in accessing and integrating parts
of self and exploring one’s full and multifaceted identity.
Music
Music plays a huge part in many people’s lives, where sounds, rhythms, beats, symphonies and lyrics provide ways of accessing, expressing or
regulating one’s emotions. Bringing important songs or compositions to therapy to explore their lyrical and
musical meanings, playing with instruments or composing music, clients can find non-linguistic ways
of exploring, understanding and regulating emotions.
Art & Craft
One doesn’t need any artistic
‘talent’ in a conventional sense to engage in visual or expressive art therapy. From doodling to expressive
painting, visual arts can provide a means for clients to visualise what is internal and unconscious. The
significance and meaning of colour, mark-making, shape and form for an individual can tell them a lot about their thoughts and feelings, finding a mode of expression when words and language can be difficult or inadequate.
Clay
Clay is an earthy, grounding material
allowing clients to visualise emotions, personal metaphors, or aspects of self in three-dimensions. Working intuitively with one’s hands can allow one to give shape and form to one’s intangible and unconscious thoughts or feelings, which can then be
explored and bring further insight. Working with one’s hands can also be a meditative and mindful activity,
bringing attention away from one’s mind and into the body.
Drama
Drama therapy provides a variety of methods to explore aspects of emotion, self and interpersonal
relationships, from the familiar ‘empty chair’ exercises, to experiments with ways of being, speaking and acting in the world. Drama can be used
to embody and express emotions, thoughts or ways of being in the safe space of the therapy room, and
as a way of ‘rehearsing’ for everyday life.
Creative writing, metaphor & dreams
Whether working with a client’s own metaphors and images in dialogue, or through writing poetry, lyrics, prose and story, creative writing can enrich and make tangible emotions, thoughts and feelings that are vague, ambiguous or intangible. Journalling is a useful tool for many clients, as a way of externalising internal thoughts and feelings. I often encourage clients to keep a dream journal, using unconscious imagery to elaborate meanings and bring further insight to one’s inner world.
Bodywork & movement
Therapy considers the emphasis on mind-body connection, understanding
thoughts and feelings as embodied and not just products of the mind alone. Through work with
movement, posture, body-mapping, embodied mindfulness, breathwork and other techniques body-based therapy can equip clients with tools get in touch with their emotions, self-regulate and explore their identity and being in the world as a physical
body as well as a mind in a trauma informed way.
"In my first day's of alcohol recovery, Debi encouraged me to think about my frame of mind as a colour. The idea allowed me to easily access the feeling of peace that abstinence had given me, which was incredibly helpful in resisting the temptation to drink in the first few weeks."
O.C
What I can help with...
-
Anxiety
-
Feeling down, flat or depressed
-
Relationship issues
-
Life transitions
-
Identity problems
-
Low self-esteem
-
Loneliness
-
Work related stress
-
Mid-life changes
-
Loss and bereavement
-
Intimacy issues
-
Sexual problems
-
Fertility problems
-
Anger
-
Shame and guilt
-
Parental challenges
-
Abuse
-
Childhood trauma or neglect
-
Creative blocks
-
Addictions
Next Steps
Choosing to begin therapy is an important step and it matters that you feel safe, welcomed and truly listened to. While this website can give you a sense of me and how I work, the best way to know if it feels right is to connect in person.
I offer a friendly, no-obligation phone call where we can talk about what’s on your mind, what you’re hoping for, and how we might work together. If it doesn’t feel like the right fit, I’ll be glad to help you find another therapist who may be more suited to you.
My practice is in Berkhamsted, within easy reach of Hemel Hempstead, Tring, Chesham, Amersham, and Watford. There’s on-site parking and good transport links. If you’d like to explore the next step, just fill in the contact form below.