Counselling

Through careful listening, reflection and professional insight I will provide you with space to think things through and support you in exploring the different aspects of the problems you’re having, so that you can gain clarity in what is happening in your life. It is an opportunity to take a step back, see things more clearly and choose the path you’d most like to take. I also aim to help people understand and accept themselves and move towards personal growth and change.

I offer Person-Centred Counselling which firmly believes in the therapeutic relationship between the client and counsellor, and ‘has respect for each individual, for the individual’s capacity and right to self-direction, and for the worth and significance of each individual.’ (Rogers, C., Client-Centred Therapy, p20-22). I will not tell you what to do, as this over-rides your right to choose what’s best for you. 

I also have knowledge and experience of using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Transactional Analysis and can integrate this within the counselling session if we both agree that it will be helpful. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy predominantly concentrates on exploring and challenging unhelpful thoughts and beliefs that you have about yourself, others and the world in which you live, and how this impacts on the way you live life and relate to others. Transactional Analysis sheds light on the ways in which we communicate and relate to others.

In counselling for couples and other relationships I will help you both to explore the difficulties as you’ve experienced them, find ways to communicate more effectively and work through the issues in a co-operative and respectful manner. The best way to get the most out of your sessions is to both be honest about your thoughts and feelings, be open and curious about the other person’s reality, and willing to accept responsibility for your part of the situation. If you are both intent on investing time and effort into restoring and/or improving your relationship, then please get in touch.