Counselling

Counselling is a form of psychological or talking therapy that offers people a chance to change how they feel and to like better. It provides a regular time and space for people to talk about their troubles and explore difficult feelings in an environment that is safe, confidential and free from judgement.

A person may come to counselling because of difficult experiences they have been through, such as a relationship breakdown, bereavement, abuse or redundancy. Or they may want help dealing with feelings of sadness, depression, anxiety or low self worth that doesn't seem to be connected to any particular event.

Counselling can also help you overcome mental health problems, such as depression or an eating disorder, even if you are already getting other kinds of help from a GP or psychiatrist. It can also help you come to terms with an ongoing physical problem, illness or disability. Counselling can also be a means of coping with physical symptoms or complaints that doctors can't alleviate. If your GP can't find a physical cause for your problems you may want to look further to see whether there is a psychological side to your symptoms.

It is a fact of life that from time to time all of us face difficult decisions or have experiences which we find hard to make sense of or deal with. At these times we can feel vulnerable or powerless.

At such times it can be very helpful to discuss and explore options with someone who is not involved in the situation and who can bring an independent outlook and help you to consider things from different perspectives. When you are considering what your needs are from a counsellor or therapist, think of counselling as a place to talk, to offload emotionally and feel accepted, supported, encouraged. A time and place for you to focus on whatever difficulties you have at this time in your life, with a skilled and non-judgemental listener. This process of talking and being profoundly heard, accepted and respected, is thought to be the necessary and sufficient condition for you to deal with issues which trouble you in the present, and to gain a greater understanding of yourself. To develop insight and self awareness and understanding of your relationships.

My approach to counselling is based on the Humanistic theory, person centred counselling integrated with CBT.

What this means is that you will have the time you need to explain what is going on, and I will do my best to understand what it is like to be in your situation, to help you clarify what you want, and the options available to you, and to assist you in achieving your goals.

Areas of counselling I deal with

Abuse, ADD/ADHD, Addiction(s), Adoption Issues, AIDS/HIV, Anger Management, Anxiety, Asperger Syndrome, Bereavement, Business Coaching, Cancer, Career Coaching, Child related issues, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/ME Therapy, Cultural issues, Depression, Disability, Dissociation, Eating disorders, Executive Coaching, General counselling, Health related issues, Identity problems, Infertility, Leadership Coaching, Life Coaching, Loss, Men's Issues, Mental health issues, Obsessions, OCD, Personal Development, Phobias, Post-traumatic stress - PTSD, Pregnancy related issues, Redundancy, Relationships, Self Esteem, Self Harm, Service Veterans, Sex related issues, Sexual identity, Sexuality, Spirituality, Stress, Women's Issues, Work related issues

Initial assessment

An initial assessment is a great way to discuss your reasons for coming to therapy at your own pace and also what you want to get from them therapy.

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Counselling for Children and young people

Children and young people's counselling is for any young person who's having problems typically from 5 and over. Counselling gives the child the opportunity to talk about how they feel without the fear of judgement. Speaking to a counsellor, away from home and school life can take away some of the added pressure. For the younger children therapy is offered through play, I have plenty of resources including Lego, toys and craft stuff. Counselling can help children cope with everyday worries such as exam stress, relationships with friends, family members and teachers, self harm concerns, grief, depression and anxiety, learning difficulties just o name a few. Really, if something is making your child feel unhappy however small or big it may be, its important.

One to One and Couples Counselling

One to One counselling with myself is a safe, judgement free environment where you can explore your feelings and emotions. Working together to gain an insight into difficulties, thoughts or behavioural patterns.

Couples counselling (which is often referred to as marriage guidance) Lots of people have an idea of what couples counselling is and think that you only need counselling when things get really bad however it isn't always sometimes just being impartial and working with you both in the best way for you both. Its safe, nonjudgmental and confidential.

Family & Group Counselling