Rate Samantha Holt

I am a Psychologist & Psychotherapist, specialising in anxiety, trauma, abuse, interpersonal relationships, family dynamics, childhood development, domestic violence, sexual violence, personality disorders, addictions, attachment disorders, eating disorders, and neurodiversity. I have expertise in the Criminal Justice System having recently completed research exploring the experience of being wrongfully accused and false allegations. I have extensive experience working within the NHS as well as forensic settings.

For many people the experience of anxiety, and trauma within familial and interpersonal relationships becomes a lifelong journey that quietly shapes how they experience themselves and others, which can influence our quality of life and mental health. Whether the trauma stems from abuse, childhood, a bereavement, relationship loss, violence or neglect, it can influence your sense of safety and trust across the lifespan.

As we move through life, these experiences often affect how we form attachments to others, in addition to influencing our work life and subsequently our health. These can lead to feeling defensive, guarded, anxious or unsure of connections to others. Our patterns in friendships, family bonds, and intimate relationships can sometimes resurface as past pain and emotional discomfort and may reflect these patterns.

Over time, without support or understanding, these responses and behaviours can deepen and become unhelpful behaviours. This is not fixed however and through therapy we can work together to promote self-awareness, healing and help build supportive relationships and individuals can start to rebuild and reshape their relationships, perceptions, and construct new helpful ways to connect with others which will in turn gradually build trust, resilience and a renewed sense of security in themselves.

I am also an ADHD Assessor having trained in London, and if you suspect you have symptoms of ADHD, we can discuss this in more detail and arrange a private consultation and reliable testing. I have extensive experience working in the NHS and the Criminal Justice System for more than 25 years, and have treated inpatients, outpatients who have experienced acute stress, traumatic stress symptoms, chronic anxiety, relationship issues, intimacy related issues, eating disorders, post-traumatic stress and complex post traumatic stress where clients may have experienced a series of traumatic life events. I also have experience working with anger management and addictions in young adults as well as older adult mental health.

I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared and explored without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey to find the strength and acceptance in moving forwards and live a better quality of life.