Counselling

Everyone has times in their lives when they find themselves feeling hurt, confused, angry, disempowered, alone or isolated. These can be bewildering and frightening experiences which, when left unattended, can result in low self-esteem, depression and anxiety, compulsive, addictive, self-harmful or withdrawing behaviours.

The decision to access counselling can be a difficult one to make. A person may feel that this will mean that they are weak, inadequate or helpless. They may be in fear of feeling vulnerable or exposed, judged or criticised. It often feels like the end of the line - a person's last option.

My approach to counselling is firmly rooted and underpinned in the Person Centred approach, therefore at the centre of the counselling relationship lays my regard for and acceptance of the individual. I work hard to create a solid working alliance which will allow a counselee to bring themselves without fear of judgment or the need to hold back, or an expectation to share anything that they would rather not.

Counselling offers the opportunity for individuals, couples or families to find acceptance and understanding and to experience a place of safety and calm. In this environment a person may work through the chaos of their feelings and gain insight into their situation, find their paths to follow, regain their sense of self and so experience a greater inner peace, clarity and healing.

Clients usually contract for weekly or two weekly sessions of an hour each; however, this is flexible depending upon the needs and wishes of the counselee. People work at their own pace and I will always try to accommodate this through occasional review of the process to check that the counselee is gaining from the experience.

I have over 30 years of training and experience in working with individuals, and 15 years’ experience of working with couples and families. I hold senior accreditation status with the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS). I work within the ethical guidelines of the NCPS which includes accessing regular supervision for my counselling work. I am also a Fellow of the International Society of Psychotherapists and Counsellors (ISPC).

My counselling work includes the support of my two therapy dogs Bramble and Laurel. Please go to my page on Animal Assisted Therapy AAT to find out more how this is incorporated and a central part of my practice.

If you would like more information or you would like to discuss counselling with me, please contact me.