About counselling and psychotherapy
Part of being human is that we all experience difficulties and pain in life. Sometimes we can deal with this on our own, or with friends or family's help. At other times, we can feel overwhelmed by difficult feelings or get stuck in behaviour patterns we feel powerless to change. This is where counselling or psychotherapy can help.It provides a safe place where you can express and work through your difficulties with a trained professional who will not judge you.
Person-centred counselling
This approach to counselling is based on the belief that you, the client are the expert on your own life and that deep down you know the best way forward for you - even although you might not be able to see this yet. My aim is to help you explore and understand more about yourself. I won't judge you or tell you what to do, but will work with you to find a way forward using your own inner resources.
I supplement this core person-centred way of counselling (where a client wishes it) with 'experiential focusing' - a gentle way of getting to the heart of your experience. Some clients find this way of working makes it easier for them to make sense of some of the feelings they bring to counselling.
Core process psychotherapy
This approach to psychotherapy integrates mindfulness practice with Western psychology and psychotherapeutic skills. The benefits of mindfulness are now widely accepted in clinical settings both within and outside the National Health Service (NHS).
Mindfulness is simply a particular way of paying attention to our thoughts and feelings that can help us learn to move through life with more ease, self acceptance and feelings of well-being.
There can be some similarities in the approaches of counselling and psychotherapy. However, short-term counselling can be particularly supportive in helping people through difficult times. While longer-term psychotherapy offers a context for more acceptance and deeper exploration into our suffering and why that may be happening. It helps us to access the intelligent healing capabilities of our own body and mind when life presents us with difficult challenges.
My experience and qualifications allow me to offer both counselling and psychotherapy. We would discuss and agree what might be most helpful to you.
Confidentiality
All counselling and psychotherapy is confidential.
Supervision
As a member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), I'm required to regularly discuss with a supervisor (another experienced, professional therapist) some of my work with clients. However, I don't reveal details that would identify a particular client.
