How have I ended up here - and why can’t I seem to change it?
Most people who get in touch with me didn’t expect to find themselves in this position.
They’ve tried to handle things. They’ve thought things through. They often know, on some level, what needs to change.
But things aren’t changing.
They don’t like who they are in the situation they’re in – but they can’t seem to do anything differently.
They can see the impact it’s having. But in the moment, they still find themselves doing the same thing.
That’s where things start to feel stuck – caught between knowing it can’t carry on, and not knowing how to stop it.
Underneath it, there’s often a quieter recognition:
this can’t carry on like this.
That’s where things start to feel stuck – caught between knowing it can’t carry on, and not knowing how to stop it.
Underneath it, there’s often a quieter recognition:
this can’t carry on like this.
What The Work Involves
The people I work with are dealing with a range of situations: relationship difficulties that have reached a tipping point, anger affecting the people they care about most, the aftermath of separation or acrimonious court proceedings, or managing emotions in recovery, where things feel fragile.
What they have in common is that the usual ways of handling things are no longer working – and something important is at risk.
If you’re reading this, you’ll recognise some of this in your own situation.
What I do is help you understand why this is happening, which is where the work begins.
What you’re dealing with are patterns of behaviour that were set up earlier in your life – ways of thinking and behaving that became automatic because they worked at the time.
The problem is that they don’t fit the situations you’re in now.
So you end up responding in ways that feel right in the moment, but don’t actually work – which is why it starts to feel like you’re stuck in a loop, and that the situation can’t carry on as it is.
The work is about recognising the patterns that are no longer working, and then working with you to develop a different way of thinking and behaving – one that supports repair, rather than pulling you back into the same loop.
That takes time and practice, but it’s how change becomes consistent.
I’m Dr Dawn Sant, a Chartered Psychologist with nearly forty years of experience. My work is psychoeducational and structured, but always applied directly to your situation. The framework I use – developed over twenty years of direct client work – is explained from the outset, so you understand not just what to do differently, but how and why.
The Foundation Session
The starting point is a two-hour Foundation Session, costing £150.
This is where the real work begins. I use this session to build a complete picture of your situation – your background, your patterns, what’s been happening and why – so that everything that follows is grounded in your specific circumstances.
I also use this session to explain how I work, so you understand exactly what the process involves and what would be required to move things forward.
The Foundation Session is paid in advance. It stands alone.
This is usually where things start to make sense in a way they haven’t before. Most people leave seeing their situation from a different perspective, and with a stronger sense that change is possible through this work.
Continuing sessions are arranged weekly or fortnightly, at 60 or 90 minutes, depending on what suits you.
The Next Step
If you haven’t already been in touch, get in touch and we’ll arrange a brief call.
It’s focused and straightforward, and lasts 10–15 minutes.
I’ll get a clear sense of what’s been happening and establish whether you’re at the point where this work will be useful.
If you are, we’ll get the Foundation Session booked in.
And from there, real change becomes possible.
I’m based in Hale, South Manchester, and work with clients in person and online via Zoom.
My private psychology practice is located in Hale, South Manchester and I can offer Private Sessions to suit your schedule. In general I recommend weekly sessions initially. The frequency of sessions can reduce with time and I offer one off ‘booster’ sessions when required. Don’t be hesitant to contact me regarding any queries you may have about the sessions I offer.
There are two important factors to consider here. Firstly, the material I use does work. It is work, not magic, and takes time.
Secondly, those that have made the decision to invest in themselves and have committed to the work have found that their lives have improved immensely. The nature of the work is psycho-educational and contains around 10 hourly sessions worth of material. I recommend giving an equal number of sessions to consolidating this material for optimal integration into your daily life. It is also important to schedule in the initial and final consultations.
During the initial consultation I discuss general ‘housekeeping’ rules so that we are clear about how best to work together. During the final consultation I summarise your anger management story – the roots of your anger, your anger triggers, and the new tools you have learned to manage these situations.
N.B. Cancellations should be made at least 24 hours before your scheduled appointment or you will be charged the full sessional fee.