Hello, and welcome to Samantha McEwan Psychotherapy, Kilmarnock
Trauma, PTSD & Anxiety Therapist
Hi, I’m Samantha. With over 25 years experience in NHS as a mental health nurse and educator, and then as a psychotherapist, I support adults to address and process the impact of trauma, difficult life experiences or relationships, or break free from the hold of anxiety and reconnect with their sense of self, identity and wellbeing.
Many people adapt to past trauma, such as childhood abuse or neglect, or difficult life experiences by becoming highly independent, or highly career-focused (perhaps with added anxiety or perfectionism), or perhaps developing emotional numbness, repeating patterns in relationships, behaviour or thinking,or feeling a loss of personal identity.
Some people describe always being anxious, feeling on edge, exhausted or burnt out, overthinking, or experiencing guilt, self-criticism, or continual people-pleasing. These aren't personal failures- they are natural survival strategies that have adapted over time.
How I work
In therapy I don't just treat the symptoms; I work collaboratively with you to understand and address the root causes of your difficulties. Drawing on my combined mental health nursing background and psychotherapy training, I use evidence-based CBT, in a meaningful way, alongside trauma processing therapies, and related therapies such as acceptance and commitment therapy, compassion focused therapy and trauma-adapted mind, body and emotion regulation strategies.
My mental health nursing background means that I also consider relevant interconnected physical, social, intergenerational and relational dynamics that may have impacted you developmentally in early life or during adulthood.
Some clients are in therapy for around 4-6 months - others benefit from shorter or longer therapy, depending on what has been happening for them.
“Samantha picks things up about my situation very quickly. She is so transparent and calming and gets to the heart of things."
Benefits of therapy for my clients
I’ve had the privilege of seeing my clients get a clearer head space, feel more on top of their emotions, and be more accepting and less critical of themselves. They feel less overwhelmed, more present, more grounded in their bodies, and able to make changes. Where needed, they are more able to put boundaries in place or be more assertive, such as in relationships at work or home.
Starting Therapy
Choosing a therapist is about finding the right clinical fit. I offer an informal, no obligation and free of charge 20-30 minute consultation call prior to starting therapy to see whether my way of working is a good fit for you, and answer any questions you might have.
Please feel free to get in touch- I try respond to all email enquiries within one working day.
"I'm so thankful I connected with Samantha. She is professional, responsive and sensitive, while also knowledgeable and straightforward with me. The way she understands me has been a long-awaited breath of fresh air. She validates my emotions and experiences and works carefully with me to identify patterns and goals".
