Why come to counselling?

People come to counselling for all sorts of reasons and sometimes expect change to happen in a short space of time. Whilst for some people this is the case, for many others it may take a bit longer depending on how you engage with the process.

Some people believe that counselling helps find a way to work through areas of sadness or difficulties generally, finding new inner peace. The relationship you experience with your counsellor is a collaborative one that often facilitates the changes you wish to make in your life, or greater acceptance of the things you cannot change. Additionally, you may find that the relationship you have with your counsellor may mirror other "close" relationships.

There are times when counselling can be difficult as exploration can sometimes be painful. Your counsellor should be able to help you explore this in your time, at a pace to suit you. Ask any questions you need, and you can be assured of an honest and integrative response. Feedback is always helpful to determine the path of progress.

How can counselling help me?

Everyone responds to counselling differently.  Some people find that two – four sessions are enough to get the breakthrough they are looking for; others can take months or even years to get the answers they seek.  One word can be as effective as five thousand; everyone has their own time-frame and therefore respond at different times.

How do I work?

I am guided by you, the client and tend to adopt an integrative stance within a person-centred approach.  I may perhaps work in a more psychodynamic way which looks at patterns from childhood.

I will “meet you” where you are: we can look at how current events are impacting you to the situation you feel you are in – perhaps bearing little resemblance to how you would like to live your life.

If there is something about you that you would like to change, we can use a combination of cognitive behavioural techniques, motivational interviewing with a solution focussed approach to help you achieve your goals.  This has shown to be very effective with clients who have a tendency towards addictive behaviour.

We will work at a pace to suit you and we can decide together the number of sessions that most cover your needs.  You are your own expert; you will know what you need. We work collaboratively.