What is Counselling?
We can all experience times in our lives when things become difficult. Counselling can help you to explore difficult issues and develop a clearer understanding of yourself within a non-judgmental environment.
Many people hesitate about seeing a counsellor, sometimes it's because they are unsure what to expect or are afraid of what will happen. Sometimes it can feel that things are too big to change, or too small to matter. People can also sometimes feel that they should be able to solve everything for themselves. Counselling can provide an objective space where we can look at things together and the process can help you to gain insights into your issues.
Some typical issues
People come to counselling for all sorts of reasons. Examples of some common concerns that people often bring to counselling include: living with anxiety or depression, bereavement and loss, childhood abuse issues, self-confidence and self-worth, relationship issues and work-related issues. Sometimes the issue may be more about finding meaning or spiritual well being.
A little bit about how I work
As an integrative therapist I will be bringing a range of approaches, which I will adapt to suit you. In working together, I would not be offering advice but rather helping you to understand your own life better. Therapy involves talking about yourself. We will explore your thoughts, feelings and behaviours together, in order to gain a greater understanding. This can enable you to build your own resources or solutions or to make whatever changes that you feel are right for you.
The counselling sessions are mainly talking therapy but I can include relaxation, mindfulness or compassion techniques if they are of interest. I also find that using creative mediums such as drawing can help to explore issues when the words don't come easily. You may opt to work with creative materials during sessions. Working creatively is not about making judgments on what you produce, so no artistic talent is needed! Some clients also find it can be helpful to do a little bit of reflecting or set tasks between sessions but this is optional.
I welcome adults from diverse cultural and ethnical backgrounds, of different sexual orientations, abilities, ages and gender. Counselling takes place within a confidential setting.
I work according to the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) Ethical Framework for Good Practice in Counselling and Psychotherapy; in accordance with the principles, offering a confidential, safe and non-judgemental environment. For further information on counselling you might like to look up the BACP site.
“The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I change.”
― Carl Rogers On becoming a person.
Please follow the sessions menu links for further information.
Please follow the sessions menu links for further information.