The following paragraphs attempt to give a flavour of how I would approach our counselling sessions, bearing in mind the fact that as each client is unique, so too is each counselling relationship.
We may work remotely via Zoom or by phone call, or face to face in a counselling room.
Our counselling relationship will be the main therapeutic ‘tool’.
We’ll talk. I’ll be listening carefully to whatever you have to say, always working hard to understand things from your point of view. I’ll support you to express – in whatever way you are able – those aspects of your life that distress and disturb you or are making life unbearable for you. I’ll be aware that you may have been living with a sense of shame for a long time and that even the idea of talking about your distress may feel excruciating. I’ll respect you; I’ll be honest with you; I’ll sometimes challenge you. We’ll probably find things to laugh about.
We’ll work at a pace that suits you and we’ll have regular reviews to assess how we’re working and make appropriate adjustments, when necessary.
If you’d like me to, I may occasionally make a suggestion of an exercise to try, to help increase your day-to-day self-awareness (eg, mindfulness and relaxation exercises, journal writing, art work, etc); but the main focus of my attention will always be on the quality of our therapeutic relationship – emphasising genuineness, straightforwardness, care, respect and acceptance – rather than on the use of therapeutic techniques.
I work with individual adults, couples and young adults (14+) and with a range of issues, including:
stress
anxiety
depression
anger
childhood-related issues
relationship issues
termination, abortion, miscarriage
bereavement
ADHD/ADD
emotional and physical abuse
sexual abuse
survivors of childhood sexual abuse
trauma
ASD/Aspergers
general parenting issues
couples counselling
low self-esteem
identity issues
Please feel free to talk about anything that causes you distress or concern – whether or not it’s included in the above list.