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Why Counselling?
Counselling helps people improve their sense of well-being, alleviate their distress, increase their ability to solve issues they may be facing and make decisions for themselves.
My role is to help you make sense of what is happening. The key to success comes through the relationship between the counsellor and their client and I work towards a carefully boundaried relationship where you can feel safe, tell your story and really be listened to. I work with my clients to develop this relationship which is respectful, confidential and suited to their individual needs. What you bring to therapy will be unique to you.
Counselling can be short or long term… perhaps you would like to come for only 5 or 6 sessions, or maybe you wish to spend longer looking at things… it’s up to you how your therapy is shaped and how long you come for.
If you are unsure if counselling is the thing for you, please feel free to call me to discuss things as it may help you make that decision.
People come along for counselling for many different issues. Some of the areas that have been explored and worked through by my previous clients are:
Low Mood and Depression – Stress and Anxiety – Loss and Bereavement – Anger – Addictions, Eating Disorders – Mental Health Issues – Abuse – Relationships – Self Esteem – Sexuality – Trauma – Self Harm – Divorce – Post Natal Depression – Bullying – long term/lifechanging Illness – Child Related Issues
Some of the above may resonate with your own experience… or you may have your own particular issue… Whatever your interest or concern, it may be worth trying therapy as a supportive method of exploration, leading to awareness and change.
Integrative Counselling
As an Integrative counsellor I draw on techniques from different types of therapy to tailor an approach specifically for you. I believe there isn’t just one therapeutic approach that can help a client in all situations. Instead, I take into account you as an individual and your circumstances, and use elements of different approaches to help you explore and cope with your problems.
Every client who walks through my door is different. What works for one person might not work for another. As an integrative therapist, I am able to choose the right approach for you as an individual. I generally use a bit of everything. It’s all round support and makes therapy unique for that person.”
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What does an integrative counsellor do?
The integrative approach may include elements of person-centred therapy. This focuses on you rather than the counsellor being the expert on yourself, and aims to help you reach your full potential. Your therapist will help you achieve that by accepting and valuing you, being honest and transparent with you and offering you unconditional positive regard.
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Your therapist may draw on psychodynamic therapy. This involves helping you to bring your subconscious - what is just below the surface of your awareness - into your conscious mind. It helps you become more aware of what’s in your subconscious, such as difficult memories and experiences, so you can understand how these deep-rooted feelings impact on you in the present and how you can learn to cope with them.
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The therapist might bring in elements of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). This looks at your thoughts, feelings and behaviours and helps you to change some of these where they are unhelpful using a variety of practical strategies and tools, such as journaling.
And, if appropriate for you, your therapist may bring in elements of other approaches too.
Children & young People
Children and young people have counselling for lots of reasons, some are learning how to manage feelings like anger and sadness, some may be coping with loss, some may need help with friendship groups, and some just don’t feel right and want to feel better.
Counselling is a process where from a safe and supportive environment I will help your child, or the person you care for, learn how to help themselves. It will help them work through their difficulties and work out coping strategies. The main aims of counselling are:
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To support the child to make changes in their life
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To learn to understand and cope with difficult emotions
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To identify specific problems
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To identify goals the child would like to work on
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Counselling can be provided at my therapy room, via zoom or by prior arrangement at the school or educational setting they attend.
