Áine Hayes Counselling & Psychotherapy
Creative Arts Therapy
Clinical Supervision
Hammersmith and Fulham, West London

Areas of Interest in Psychotherapy | Trauma, Attachment & Meaning

I have a strong interest in the use of metaphor in counselling and psychotherapy. We use metaphor in everyday language, often without realising it, to describe our inner experiences. Many people describe life — and therapy — as a journey, and metaphor can be a powerful way to explore thoughts, emotions, and personal meaning.

In my work as a psychotherapist,  I often integrate this creative and reflective approach to help clients better understand their experiences, particularly when words feel difficult to find.

My work is also informed by attachment theory, which is especially helpful when working with trauma and relationship difficulties.            I support clients who may have experienced:

• Childhood trauma
• Childhood sexual abuse
• Relational trauma
• Ongoing or repeated emotional difficulties

Trauma is a common reason people seek therapy in London, whether it relates to a specific one-off event or longer-term experiences. While trauma is widely recognised in therapy, this does not diminish its profound impact on the individual.

Having a safe and supportive space to explore these experiences can be an important step in trauma recovery, allowing you to process what has happened and begin to move forward.