Peggy Barrett – Anger, Anxiety & Relationship Issues

There is naturally variation between clients, and I don’t want to set unrealistic expectations. However, there are a few things that tend to be consistent across sessions.

First, sessions are connective — most clients experience feeling heard, understood, and not alone in what they’re carrying.

Second, therapy often involves some discomfort. Rather than avoiding this, we work together to develop a different relationship with it, so it becomes something you can stay with and learn from, rather than something that overwhelms or controls you.

Third, sessions are insightful. Over time, you’ll begin to understand more about your patterns, your reactions, and the experiences that have shaped how you relate to yourself and others.

Finally, therapy is action-oriented. It holds the assumption that you are capable of taking meaningful steps toward change, and that these steps matter in building a more intentional and satisfying life.

Each session is 60 minutes, but the real work continues between sessions as insights begin to show up in daily life, relationships, and patterns of response.

Research consistently shows that therapy outcomes are less dependent on length alone, and more strongly influenced by the quality of the therapeutic relationship, active engagement, and consistency of attendance. A large meta-analysis of psychotherapy research found that the therapeutic alliance is one of the strongest predictors of positive outcomes across modalities (Flückiger et al., 2020).

There is also evidence that more consistent attendance — particularly weekly sessions in the early phase of therapy — is associated with stronger outcomes, likely because it supports continuity, momentum, and the development of the therapeutic process over time (Erekson et al., 2015).

Because of this, the duration and structure of therapy varies. For some people it is short-term and focused, while for others it becomes a longer process of deeper change and integration over time.

I offer flexible appointment times, including evenings and weekends, for clients in high-stress professions and leadership roles who prefer space to process without immediately returning to work.

Corporate rates and confidential invoicing are available on request.

In my work with individuals, I primarily draw from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), while also integrating elements of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT), and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT/RO-DBT) where helpful. I also incorporate attachment and relational perspectives to understand how past and present relationships shape patterns of thinking, feeling, and relating.

I use a process-based approach called the Developmental Model of Couples Therapy (Bader & Pearson).

This approach views relationship conflict as a normal and meaningful part of growth, rather than a sign that something is wrong. It understands relationships as evolving over time, with challenges often reflecting the need for new capacities within the relationship.

In our work together, I assume both partners are doing the best they can with the skills and awareness they currently have. We focus on building capacity — understanding patterns, recognising developmental challenges, and learning how to respond with more intention.

Rather than focusing only on communication techniques, this model works at a deeper level by strengthening self-awareness, emotional regulation, and the ability to stay connected in moments of difference.

I also prioritise my evening and weekend appointments for couples as I understand how difficult it can be to coordinate work, childcare and multiple schedules.

- Free Consultation (15 min) - No cost
- Individual Session (60 min) - $210
- Couples Session (90 min) - $340