A therapy can be regarded as a form of treatment that has the potential to help someone feel better. There are many forms of therapy available these days, which can often be confusing when making a decision to seek support. Rather than providing an exhaustive list of the various types, I felt it would be more sensible to explain the services that I can offer.
Counselling can be described as a ‘talking therapy’ that allows people to discuss their problems with a trained practitioner. Typically, counsellors do not give advice, but rather offer an accepting and non-judgemental space for individuals to process the issues they face and the difficult feelings they encounter.
Psychotherapy also comes under the umbrella of a talking therapy. However, it would usually involve working for longer periods with the therapist, along with focussing on a wider range of issues. Both these terms are often used separately or interchangeably within the profession, but bear in mind that a practitioners training can differ immeasurably.
These therapies can help by offering an environment, which is safe, contained and supportive in nature. You will have the opportunity to explore your situation fully with a qualified professional who is outside of your wider context, and will listen carefully, compassionately and with respect; assisting you to come up with answers for yourself. It is important to understand that these therapies are collaborative in nature, meaning that the work is not done for you, but rather, with you. Throughout the process of the work, you may gain: a greater awareness of yourself and the repeating patterns that play out in your relationships (with self and with others); or help you come to terms with an area of your life that cannot be changed; or perhaps you may learn more effective coping strategies in day to day living. Whatever the reason for seeking help, and there can be many, remaining stuck is not the key to unlocking your problems.
I have trained as an Integrative Counsellor and Psychotherapist to Masters Level. An integrative approach means that I draw from several schools of theory when working with you, rather than relying on a single approach. All theories can add value, and I find it difficult to see how a ‘one size fits all’ model works for everyone, as individuals have varied experiences and perceive the world differently through their own unique lens. To inform my practice I draw from the three main schools of theory (relational Psychodynamic, Humanistic existential, and third wave CBT), adapting myself to each client’s specific needs (a pluralistic stance). I have also had additional training in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT); Gestalt; Transactional Analysis (TA); Mindfulness; and areas of Neuroscience – to enhance my integration and knowledge base. That aside, within the work that we do the therapeutic relationship is a key ingredient in our journey together, without this being established, then the above is just theory.
If you have any further questions regarding my model or how I work, then please do ask when enquiring (website enquiry form, telephone, email. All here: contact me). I can also expand on this at our initial consultation if necessary.
There are a number of issues that I have experience of working and supporting individuals with. Here are some examples: depression, anxiety and other mental health difficulties; relationship troubles and concerns; coming to terms with serious illness; loss or difficult life events including: bereavement, work related stress, or family issues; an upsetting or traumatic life experience; helping process difficult emotions, such as: guilt, shame, anger, confusion, sadness or grief; building self-esteem, self-compassion, resilience and an authentic sense of self; supporting individuals to achieve their ambitions; areas of diversity and difference; alcohol and drug misuse; eating related issues and body image concerns. This is not an exhaustive list, but an overview of some of the issues that I have encountered.
There are areas that may require more specialised assistance and support. These could include: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD); a complex neurodiverse condition; a serious alcohol or drug addiction/dependency. In such instances, If I felt these issues were beyond my skill set, I would look to signpost the individual (or possibly refer with their consent) to a professional with specialised training and expertise in these areas.
I am happy to discuss any of the above with you when you first make contact, or at our initial consultation.
After you make first contact (website enquiry form, phone, email. All here: contact me), I will invite you to our first session – the initial consultation. Here we will explore in more depth what has brought you to therapy, and how I may be able to assist you. During this session we will also visit some essential paperwork required for our work moving forward (for example: our working agreement). I have made provision for this particular session to be slightly longer than our subsequent sessions (see next section), as to give us plenty of time to cover what is necessary; build the foundations of our relationship; and to prepare us for the process of the therapeutic work. All sessions for counselling are charged at £60 (fees).
With the exception of our initial consultation (up to: 75 minutes), each of our subsequent sessions will be 60 minutes. They usually take place weekly or fortnightly, depending on the individual’s needs.
This is a question that is difficult to answer directly, and can depend on several factors. Some of which could include (this is not an exhaustive list): the individual themselves (such as: how they engage in the therapy); the therapeutic alliance (such as: feeling comfortable enough to be open and honest with their therapist); the type of therapy offered (such as: is it suitable for the individual and their needs); what issue(s) the individual brings to therapy (such as: the complexity of the issue).
As a therapist I am trained to work both short and long term with clients (and anything in between). Typically short term refers to six to twelve sessions (some clients may require less), where the work generally has a tighter focus with a distinct goal in mind. Longer term therapy however may involve confronting deeper rooted emotional problems from the past that are still ‘playing out’ in the present, for example, unhelpful relationship patterns or templates. This type of therapy can take a great deal longer, due to the nature of the work.
Please note: that you have the agency to decide on how long you wish to work for, and during our process we can review our work at any point.
I offer face-to-face, online, or telephone counselling for individuals 18 years and over.
Please note: I do not offer home visits, couples counselling, or group therapy.
