Therapy Services

I pride myself on building a positive therapeutic relationships with everyone I work with, grounded in an understanding and appreciation of their unique identity, circumstances and needs. This enables me to work effectively in highly individualised, collaborative and creative ways.

My therapeutic work is rooted in cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) but as an integrative therapist I am able to draw on a number of different models to flexibly adapt my approach.

I specialise in working with 6-25 year olds in the neurodivergent and/or LGBTQ+ communities, and have significant experience working with children, young people and adults with diagnoses of ADHD, autism, or struggling with symptoms of anxiety, depression, gender dysphoria and more.

Lukas Dressler Psychology takes an integrative approach towards therapy for both children and adults

My approach

What you or your child can expect from a therapy session with Lukas Dressler Psychology

What to expect

Frequently asked therapy and ADHD assessment questions

FAQs

Issues and circumstances Lukas Dressler Psychology can support you or your child with through therapy

I can help with…

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

CBT works with the underlying assumption that the way we think affects how we act and feel. People can interpret the same event in many different ways leading to a variety of emotional and behavioural responses. The theory of CBT proposes that negative thoughts and beliefs play a significant role in the development and maintenance of depression, anxiety or low self esteem.

CBT involves examining any unhelpful thought patterns and exploring how they can affect our emotions and actions.

Therefore, being able to challenge these beliefs by weighing up the evidence for and against them can assist a person in reducing their distress and enhancing their ability to cope in everyday life situations. CBT aims to help you develop your own skills and own tool box of strategies. Whilst this kind of therapy can involve looking at past experiences in our lives, it primarily focuses on ways to improve our psychological wellbeing now.

Lukas Dressler Psychology's approach is based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

My approach

Behavioural Therapy

Behavioural Therapy for children and adolescents emphasises the importance of learned behaviour. It focuses on an understanding of behaviour based on an analysis of the environment in which it has arisen and is sustained.

“Behavioural” therapy means analysing the reaction we have to various events, problems, people and things in our lives in the present. How can we change our behaviour? What makes us behave the way we do? Can we gain control over these factors? What is the history of this behaviour? How and when did we learn it? What are the effects and consequences of our behaviour?

Behavioural therapy for neurodivergent children can help with ADHD, autism, OCD, gender dysphoria, anxiety, depression and more

Integrative Approach

I received further theoretical and clinical training in the following, which inform my current approach:

  • Art Therapy

  • Body-oriented Therapy

  • Creative Therapy

  • Emotion-focused Therapy

  • Group Therapy

  • Mindfulness

  • Play Therapy

  • Positive Psychology

An integrative approach to therapy draws from specialisms such as art therapy, positive psychology and creative therapy

What to expect

Children and adolescents (ages 6-17)

When we first meet I will ask you and your parents lots of questions. Some questions will be about why you have come to see me, some questions will be about what you like doing, how you like school and other things. I will address any questions you may have.

I might ask to talk to you or your parents alone.

In the following appointments I will try to get to know you more and also fill in some questionnaires with you to really understand what is going on for you.

I will always remind you that these appointments are meant to help you and that this is YOUR therapy. Therefore, you can always provide me with feedback about what you like or dislike and help me make the experience of therapy as useful and comfortable as possible.

*Variations of this are possible depending on your age.

Find out what happens in the following sessions on my blog.

Parents

At the first appointment with you and your child I will aim to collect as much information as possible to allow me to create a comprehensive and individual understanding of presenting difficulties.

At the end of the first session I will share my thoughts and ideas for our potential future work together and address any questions you may have.

Please provide copies of all available school reports and letters of referral, or other medical reports that may be relevant.

Parent/Carer appointments will be a regular occurrence during therapy. In some cases I may suggest working together with a psychiatrist, GP and myself.

Find out what happens in the following sessions on my blog.

Young People (ages 18-25)

When we first meet I will ask lots of questions to understand as much as possible about your presenting difficulties. You will be able to ask me any questions that you may have.

At the end of the appointment you and I will have an idea of how we might work together to achieve your goals and enable you to thrive. We can decide together how we might structure our sessions going forward.

Honesty and openness are very important values I hold, so you are invited to give me feedback about what works for you and what does not work for you at any time.

Engagements can be short or long-term depending on your needs.

Find out what happens in the following sessions on my blog.

Potential. Progress. Pride.

Why I am proud to help neurodivergent and LGBTQ+ young people to recognise their potential and progress towards celebrating their authentic self.

Neurodiversity

Neurodivergence is part of human diversity. Just like we have a multitude of different flowers in nature, we have a myriad of different brains among humans. Each one is unique and beautiful in its own way and deserves care and respect.

With over 2,000 hours supporting children and young people who are exploring their neurodivergence (either diagnosed or undiagnosed), I have a great deal of experience tailoring my approach to best suit the needs of the individual and their own unique expression of neurodivergence. Whilst it can be challenging to understand, contextualise and accept the realities of living with a neurodivergent brain in a society that remains geared towards neurotypical ways of thinking and behaving, it is my great privilege and passion to work with people to help them better understand themselves and their potential in order that they can not only achieve greater self-acceptance and self-worth, but to allow them to thrive.

I work with children and young people who may need help understanding their ADHD or Autism (ASD), particularly when they may be struggling with depression and anxiety caused in part by the challenges their neurodivergence presents in a neurotypical system. I work hard to tailor my approach and offering expert, compassionate support for whatever issues they may be facing.

Lukas Dressler Psychology celebrates neurodiversity, working with children and young people with ADHD, autism (ASD), OCD, anxiety, and more

LGBTQ+

Sadly, I know first hand that young LGBTQ+ still face a complex set of struggles navigating a world that still sees them as different or atypical at best, and broken or wrong at worst. The social isolation, rejection, homophobia, transphobia and discrimination that our society can incubate has a profound impact on the way a young persons’ sense of self develops.

As a member of the LGBTQ+ community myself, I understand how this psychological process manifests over time. I have undergone my own journey towards self-acceptance and, whilst it hasn’t always been easy, my experiences lit a passion in me to develop my practice as a psychologist to help young people who may share some of the challenges or concerns I faced. Through my own therapeutic journey I have learned to love myself and to be proud of who I am and what I have achieved. I want the same for every child or young person I work with.

As a queer man, Lukas Dressler is proud to support queer, gay, lesbian and trans young people embrace their authentic identity

FAQs

More information about commencing therapy with me, including pricing and availability

  • Sessions last for 50 minutes

  • Fees are set at £110 per 50 minute session.

    If you have private healthcare insurance, you may be able to claim the cost against your policy. Please check with your provider.

    Concessionary fees may be available upon request, depending on availability.

  • Depending on your policy, the cost of sessions might be covered by your insurance. I am a registered provider with several insurance companies, including: Aviva, AXA, Bupa, Cigna, Vitality, and WPA.

    Please get in touch if you have spoken to your provider and they require any additional information.

  • I offer both in-person appointments at my Hove practice, and online appointments via video call. You can choose whichever option works best for you.

    My practice is located at: Kingsway House, 134 Church Road, Hove, BN3 2DL.

  • Cancellations of appointments do not incur any charge if cancelled with 24 hours or more notice.

    However, cancellation with less than 24 hours notice or non-attendance of a session is liable for the full fee for that appointment.

  • My availability fluctuates in accordance with the needs of my existing clients. I try to make myself available as swiftly as possible for new clients, and will always try my best to accommodate.

    In busy times, I operate a waiting list system — waiting times can vary depending on demand.

    Please do send an enquiry if you’re looking for support in the near or immediate future,. I will do my best to support you if I can.

I can help with…

Please be advised that I do not offer marriage, couples or relationship counselling.

I look forward to hearing from you

If you would like to discuss starting therapy with me, it would be great to hear from you.

Please fill out the enquiry form, and provide as much information as possible. I will do my very best to accommodate you if I feel I can support you or your child. However, in busy times, please be aware that I operate a waiting list system and may not be able to offer you immediate availability.

If you have any issues using the form on your browser / device, you can contact me providing full details of you, the client you’re enquiring on behalf of (name and age) and a summary of their circumstances.

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