"We think we listen, but very rarely do we listen with real understanding, true empathy. Yet listening, of this very special kind, is one of the most potent forces for change that I know." ~ Carl Rogers
Most people find themselves in dark places at times throughout their lives, questioning who they are, wrestling with difficult questions, trauma, illness, addiction or bereavement. Sometimes people don't have anyone to share these challenges with or can't share them with those close to them. Despite proverbs about sharing problems, as a society we don't really encourage people to open up. I believe that everyone should have the opportunity to do this. I hope to offer a space in which you can feel safe and respected while you explore these challenges and move towards improved mental well being.
About Me
BACP accredited member
Post Graduate Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy (Distinction) (Liverpool John Moores University)
Level 4 award in Counselling Concepts and Skill Development (University of Chester)
MSc Drug Use and Addiction (Distinction) (Liverpool John Moores University)
BSc Hons Psychology (University of York)
Level 3 Certificate in Understanding and Working with Child Loss and
Bereavement in Counselling and Helping Relationships
My experience in counselling has been in private practice, student counselling services and all age community counselling services.
I have particular interests in addiction, trauma, fertility issues, identity and how people of different genders access support. Actually though I am just interested in working with people.
Often the obvious thing is not the most important thing that people end up bringing to counselling.
What to expect
First we'll have a chat on the phone to make sure we are both clear what it is you are looking for.
Coming to counselling for the first time can be scary and you may be nervous. I was the first time I went.
With that in mind the first session will be for us to get to know each other a little better, for me to get some background and, if you want to proceed, to sign a contract about how we are going to work together.
If we agree to go ahead sessions will be 1 hr and will be in person or via Zoom (telephone sessions in some circumstances). What we talk about is mostly up to you. We will work out together how we want to progress. It is about collaboration.
What I won't do:
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Tell you what to do or how to feel
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Diagnose you: tell you there is something wrong with you
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Give you lots of homework to do
Prices:
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Full session: £45
How I work?
I will try to work with you in a way that you want. Primarily I work within the person centred philosophy. Behind the jargon (!) that means in sessions I will strive to create a relationship with you based on understanding, acceptance and honesty. It is through this sort of relationship I hope to help you feel safe enough to truly explore your experiences.
I am unlikely to tell you what to do, we get enough of that in life. You are the expert on yourself I will not try to tell you how to think, feel or act. I believe that if supported the right way you have the capacity to identify and make the changes you want.
I believe that everyone has value.
I believe that everyone has the right and ability to make their own choices even when sometimes you cannot see that, it is really hard or you need some help to do it.
I believe that everyone needs help at some point in their lives but sometimes asking for it is the hardest part.
More about the person centred approach
If you want to know more about person-centred therapy you can take a look here:
http://psyc405.stasson.org/rogers.pdf
https://www.bapca.org.uk/about/what-is-it
https://simplypsychology.org/client-centred-therapy.html
