How can Counselling help?

Counselling is a private, confidential, helping conversation where you can take the time you need to safely work through what is troubling you. The aim is to improve your long-term peace of mind.

Meeting with me, simply come as you are and be yourself. We will progress at your pace. You might want to set a specific agenda or outcomes, or we can simply focus on whatever is on your mind at the time. I will listen, as respectfully and carefully as I can. I may also offer you various information and resources, if I think they would be helpful.

It's usually a good idea to plan a quiet moment for yourself immediately after a counselling session.

My style of counselling is particularly open, non-judgemental and understanding. This can be helpful because it allows you to keep control over the content and pace of our sessions. I work primarily from the Person-Centred tradition which follows a set of 'core conditions' in line with the research of Carl Rogers and others. These conditions include empathetic understanding, being congruent and genuine, and bringing a sense of non-judgemental, warm acceptance which is usually termed 'Unconditional Positive Regard'.

In addition to this, I am qualified in Solution Focused Practice. I follow the approach originally developed by Steve de Shazer and Insoo Kim Berg. In this practice, we can explore your best hopes for the future, ways in which you have been coping, and other potential resources for further support and progress.

My third form of helpful knowledge and experience is my Masters in Applied Psychology alongside 30 years of Mindfulness training and practice. I can share some practical, easy to use strategies for calming a frazzled nervous system into a steadier, more settled and aware state.

What outcomes could you expect?

The outcomes from counselling can vary widely depending on each person and their specific issues. It is very personal. Having said this, commonly reported benefits include:

1. Improved mental health: Many people experience a reduction in anxiety, depression, and stress. This can lead to more effective emotional regulation and a better overall quality of life.

2. Increased awareness: People often gain a better understanding of themselves and of other people, of their emotions, and their patterns of thinking and behaviour.

3. Greater self-esteem: Working through personal issues and reflecting on them in a safe and validating space can greatly help to increase a sense of self-worth, self-acceptance and self-esteem.

4. Clarity of thought and better decision-making: Having a place to explore personal values, goals and priorities can help you make more intentional and psychologically healthy decisions.

5. Enhanced coping skills: Discovering healthier coping strategies to deal with the here and now, as well as feeling better equipped for new challenges that might come along in the future.