About Counselling
We are all unique, experiencing and understanding the world differently and at times we may feel overwhelmed, confused, isolated or stuck. I offer a non-judgemental compassionate approach and quality of presence to support your journey of self-discovery, so you are able to resolve your problems and establish lasting changes for leading a peaceful and fulfilled life. Counselling can help you to:
- understand your needs and how to get them met, resulting in feelings of empowerment
- bring improved resilience to manage life's challenges, by increasing your confidence and problem solving skills
- challenge negative thinking and help you achieve emotional freedom from your self-critical and limiting internal voice
"In any given moment we have two options: to step forward into growth or to step back into safety." Abraham Maslow
Theoretical Underpinning
Gestalt is a relational therapy with a here-and-now focus, together we will consider your whole self; environment, circumstances, thoughts, emotions and bodily sensations, and how past experiences are impacting you in the present. Through a warm professional relationship and creative strategies, meaningful and lasting change becomes possible.
Your unique process may also involve aspects of other appropriate counselling models to ensure your therapy process continues to meet your individual needs and progresses effectively, such as; Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) or mindfulness to challenge recurring negative thoughts and reduce anxiety or to help you cope with symptoms of trauma and PTSD/ CPTSD.
Counselling or Psychotherapy
Counselling is characterised as short-term and addresses present life difficulties. Typically 6-12 sessions is enough for a client to achieve their therapeutic goals. Psychotherapy is recognised as a long-term therapeutic intervention and generally involves more complex difficulties, such as trauma and symptoms of PTSD/ CPTSD.
Issues counselling can help with
Counselling and psychotherapy can provide support and relief from a vast number of different and often interconnected issues:
- Abuse, Complex Trauma; physical, emotional, sexual, domestic
- Addiction; alcohol, drugs, food, sex
- Bereavement and Loss
- Emotional distress; anxiety, depression, disconnection, dissociation, generalised anxiety disorder, guilt, isolation, low confidence, low self-esteem, shame, stress
- Relationship/Family Issues; affairs, betrayals, divorce, separation
- Trauma and PTSD/ CPTSD; panic, fear, anxiety, low mood, sleep disturbance, insomnia, flashbacks, nightmares, self-esteem issues, severe emotional distress, loss of identity, shame and realtional issues
- Unresolved Childhood Issues; attachment disorder, childhood sexual abuse, domestic abuse
- Work Issues; bullying, harassment, retirement, redundancy
Counselling is also effective for those who cannot identify any specific issues, but feel they could benefit from a regular weekly space to explore options for improvement and positive change.
Starting therapy
I understand taking the first step can be daunting, please feel free to contact me at any time to discuss any questions you might have. You can call or text me on 07783 058343 or click here to email me. If I am unavailable at the time of your call I will respond to your enquiry as soon as possible.
During our call we will book you in for an initial assessment session, this is your opportunity to meet me at my practice and learn more about my therapeutic approach. Working together we will explore what brings you to counselling, your therapeutic goals, we will consider if therapy is the best approach for your individual needs and decide if we feel we can work together.
Resources
Alcoholics Anonymous
Aurora New Dawn
British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy
Childline
NHS Direct
NSPCC
Stop Domestic Abuse Service
Solent Mind
Samaritans
Victim Support
