counselling

So what is counselling?

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In the UK, we are often led to believe that counselling is something you need when there's something 'wrong' mentally, just like you see a doctor to fix a physical problem. This isn't a belief that I share. I know that you may be feeling like there is something wrong with you, and you may be desperate for someone to make it better. I believe that my clients are far stronger than they know, and so much more than the difficulties that they may be facing.

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I believe that by being brave and exploring what's going on, clients can increase their self awareness and live differently. Far from being here to 'fix' anyone, I trust that people know what's best for them, and my aim is to work in a way that supports that process.

 

The outcome of counselling is often that things are easier, that changes are made and distress and suffering is lessened. However, the process is far from a 'quick fix', and can be incredibly vulnerable at times. I am not a counsellor who will sit in a chair and 'hmmm' whilst you share with me and I nod my head. I'm here to be with you, in it, so you aren't alone. Only then can you start to feel that little bit safer. 

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Working integratively means using a range of skills to tailor my practice to your needs, your goals and how you're feeling in any given session. Generally this could involve deep listening and reflection, compassionate curiosity, elements of psycho-education and perhaps challenging you to see things differently, or try something new, but all with your best interests in mind.

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Counsellors work in different ways and what works for one person may not work for another. This is just how I work, and what I believe about people and the counselling process.