I am an integrative counsellor; this means I have a large tool box of techniques and theoretical approaches which I will tailor to your needs, these include Person Centred, Psychodynamic, Solution Focused, Gestalt, Transactional Analysis, Motivational Interviewing, mindfulness, Rational Emotive Behavioural Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Humanistic and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy.
I will work with you in a supportive, warm and non-judgmental and when necessary challenging way. My aim is to share my toolbox with you and empower you to deal with any challenges in the here and now and any that may face you in the future. I can also work creatively using various materials such as sand trays, buttons, or crayons. As adults, allowing ourselves to play can provide deep insight into what is going on in our subconscious and give us clues to help support and repair distress in the here and now.
I specialise in anxiety related issues, relationship difficulties and historical trauma, but I also work with areas such as:
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Depression, Anxiety and Stress
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Loss of Confidence or Low Self Esteem
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Bereavement and loss
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Traumatic experiences
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Emotional, Physical or Sexual Abuse
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Work difficulties
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Separation and / or divorce recovery
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Self Defeating behaviours and patterns
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Life crisis or transition
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Coming to terms with medical diagnosis e.g. Motor Neuron Disease
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Learning to accept and live with chronic long-term conditions e.g. ME, fibromyalgia, MS, Diabetes
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Eating disorders
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EUPD and Bipolar
Is Counselling for me?
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Counselling is a very personal choice and can be one of the hardest decisions to make but is one of the most worthwhile things you can do. Even without traumas and situational difficulties that often lead people towards counselling, in this modern busy, nonstop world how often do we just take some time for ourselves, to look at our achievements, whether we are still happy with our life or if we are just coasting through life or indeed if we are living our dreams! In an ideal world I would like everyone to have a yearly MOT for their wants and needs. An opportunity to stop and examine our lives.
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I would just like to thank you for taking the time to look and to being open to asking for support. There is a myth that we must be strong all the time, that we have to have all the answers and its weak to admit that you need support when things are tough. I am here to commend you for your bravery for getting this far. It is not only brave but quite often essential to ask for support when we are stuck with old beliefs or trauma, with current overwhelming events or just to be curious enough to seek a deeper personal understanding of self.
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What is Counselling?
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Counselling is a talking therapy, where you are able to openly talk about issues which are concerning you, in a safe, non-judgemental environment with a professional who will be able to support you in finding a solution or a path to understanding your reactions, behaviours, distress or confusion.
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Counselling is not a passive undertaking where you will be provided with the solutions to your problems, a skilled counsellor will enable and encourage you to make connections and take responsibility for your emotional and physical reactions and then help guide you to find resolution and a way forward. Therefore, it is essential that you have a good rapport with your counsellor, this is why I offer an initial consultation prior to commencing therapy, this is an opportunity to meet and see if we are comfortable working together therapeutically.
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Counselling helps you work through emotional difficulties and gain personal insight into yourself and this can help you to take responsibility and enable you to take control of your life. There is a great deal of truth in the cliché 'a problem shared is a problem halved' Counselling can help you make positive changes to your life in a supportive, safe, judgment free and confidential environment.