"It's the client who knows what hurts, what directions to go, what problems are crucial, what experiences have been deeply buried."
-Carl Rogers-
My Approach
Just as no one person is the same, no one problem is the same. As an integrative counsellor I am able to draw from a number of theoretical counselling frameworks, allowing for an effective, personalised approach.
I work pluralistically which means our work together will be collaborative and there will always be an option for us to review and assess any new needs that arise as part of our time together.
I am able to provide short and long-term counselling. Below is a summary of the approaches I draw from and how they inform my approach:
Person-Centred Counselling
This approach forms the foundation of the way I work. It is all about supporting you to reach your potential and understanding that you are the master of your own experiences and possess the tools to develop and change. My role as a therapist is to provide a safe and non-judgmental space for you to explore your issues at your own pace through the window of your beliefs and values. Walking alongside you, I will help you to explore areas where you may have moved away from your authentic self and support you to safely explore other options and helpful ways of being.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a popular therapy used widely within the NHS to help people with specific problems that are preventing them from living a full life. It is particularly helpful for working on specific issues and is goal focused. CBT is known to help break unhelpful thought patterns and identify strengths. It is helpful for testing out negative beliefs and overcoming depression and anxiety. CBT often involves partaking in exercises and understanding what maintains our problems, which suits people that want something tangible from therapy.
Psychodynamic Counselling
The basis of this approach is to help you to make links between the past, the present and what you experience in our counselling sessions. It is a good approach for becoming aware of patterns and ways of relating that you may not be conscious of and that may have been causing you problems over the years. Within the space of the therapeutic relationship, this approach can help improve your relationship with yourself and others.
Existential Counselling
Existential philosophy understands that to be human there are consequences such as freedom, choices, responsibility and ultimately death. Sometimes when we lose a loved one, we question our own death and re-evaluate what our purpose is in life. This approach is particularly good for exploring our choices. It’s about openly questioning whether we are living authentically and defining what gives us meaning and purpose in life. Sometimes talking about the big questions such as life and death are an important part of the process of healing and finding acceptance.
*Counselling theory is used in the background of our work together and is not intended to be prescriptive or imposed. All approaches I draw upon are done so in a complementary way and only when relevant to your experience.
Fees
Sessions are available face to face, online or by telephone in a safe and secure environment. All sessions are 50 minutes long with the exception of the first session as more time is required to discuss your counselling expectations/needs.
Weekdays 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday £50
Extended hours (weekday evenings 6pm to 8pm) £60
I have limited concessionary fees for those with low-income/unemployed. Please contact me for more information.
Payment is required in advance by BACS. 48 hours notification is required for cancelling sessions to avoid being charged in full.
