How I Work
From scientific research and from what I see from my experience, the effectiveness of therapy is mainly based around the relationship between the therapist and client. It can require great bravery to enter into a relationship, building trust can take time and so my aim is to provide a supportive, non-judgemental atmosphere within which you can explore whatever has brought you to therapy. In this way, what happens in your therapy is guided by you.
Every person comes with a unique blend of history and personality and in line with that I blend several different approaches to therapy (person-centred, psychodynamic, cognitive behavioural therapy) to support the work that we do together. I also acknowledge that we experience our feelings through our bodies and so work holistically with body, mind, and soul where is this appropriate. Sometimes simply being in relation with another person, where there is compassion and warmth, is enough to bring about change, at other times it will take interventions, challenges and more introspective work to facilitate growth and development.
Sessions
I offer an initial 50 minute face to face consultation. This is an opportunity to discuss your hopes and fears about counselling and for us to establish if therapy will be helpful to you at this stage in your life. It is important you feel comfortable with the idea of sharing your thoughts and feelings in my company and that you understand you are not obliged to enter into counselling should you decide you are not ready.
If you wish to go ahead with counselling, we will agree on a regular time to meet and have an outline view of how many sessions of therapy may suit you from short term work of a few weeks to a more open-ended arrangement which we can review regularly.
Counselling sessions traditionally take place weekly and I would recommend this way of working, but if an alternative arrangement is preferred we can always discuss what you feel is best during your consultation.