What is counselling with me like?
Counselling with me is a structured, therapeutic process that supports you to come to terms with, process and move through your challenging life situations. It helps you think, feel and do better.
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The process builds a shared understanding about your situation, how it came about, how you are handling it and what is or is not working for you. It can also support you to set a goal for the process and explore possible strategies to achieve it.
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I have seen over the years how the insights and self-discovery that develop though therapy with me can help people like you make lasting positive changes.
There are many models on which counsellors base their practice. You may have already spoken to one or more counsellors or therapists, or read about various approaches to see which sounds good for you.
I learned an integrative model – this means that it can be described using aspects reflected in person-centred, Gestalt and rational emotive therapies. The model is also known as Life Skills Therapy.
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How does my approach work?
My approach helps people explore their thoughts, feelings and actions in light of their problematic situation and stated or implicit therapeutic goals to see what is working and not working. I am not a fixer. The therapy moves at your pace, on your terms and pursuing your goals.
Starting therapy may feel challenging for you and I understand that. It is a bigger step for you to come to me for counselling than it is for me to provide it, so it is vital that I prioritise creating a professional, supportive environment in which you feel comfortable and respected. I am a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and work within its ethical framework.
Working with me, the counselling interaction itself is a way of developing and strengthening life skills such as open and honest self-observation, honest understanding and emotional resilience. You can gain clarity and new perspectives, strengthen your boundaries and sense of self, communicate better and feel less overwhelmed.
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Who can benefit from counselling?
Everyone can benefit from being heard and understood. Some people know from the get-go what they would like to get from counselling. For others, counselling is part of what they need to become clearer about what they are dealing with and what it is they actually want.
The process helps people explore what is causing them to be unhappy, dissatisfied, stressed, depressed or even lost or overwhelmed with feelings of hopelessness. It can help you build better relationships with partners, family and at work.
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Read more about my approach and issues I work with here.
It is also helpful for people who are doing ok but may still want to make further improvements. Working with me can also be helpful for other therapists who want to explore aspects of their lives or professional practice in a space that is distinct from their regular supervision or other support.
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Feel safe and supported
The prospect of sharing information, sometimes for the first time, can feel daunting. It can be the greatest obstacle to you starting to move forwards again. I understand this and my most important task is to quickly make you feel welcome, seen and unjudged. I will listen with an open mind and help you build trust and confidence in the process so you can get the most from our sessions together.
The very fact that you are considering counselling as an option and are researching different therapists is a sign that you are already in the process of change. Getting this type of support is something that at least part of you wants to explore. You have decided that your current level of discomfort is more than you wish to have put up with much longer.
How to find out more
People at this stage often have a lot of questions. We can have a short, informal chat on the phone so you can find out about me and how I work. It will help you get an impression if I am someone you think you could work with. Perhaps now is the time to put YOU first.
If you feel that you just need and want some support, but the thought of talking about it still feels too much for now, I also offer sound therapy and relaxation as ways of calming your mind and easing emotional and physical tension.
Progress towards living your best life is well worth the effort involved. And I can support you along the way.
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