How I work
When people visit my webpage, it is usually because they are going through a very difficult time in their lives and are feeling a real need to get the right kind of help and support.
Seeking therapy can help provide the support you need to overcome your difficulties so that you may move forward in living your life to the full. My approach is to provide a therapeutic experience that is specific to you. I use my experience as an Integrative, Relational counsellor incorporating Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Mindfulness.
I can help you to find acceptance of your past, face today’s challenges and help and understand what is happening for you. I provide a confidential, non-judgemental and compassionate space for you to reflect and work towards increased self-awareness and acceptance, enabling you to make choices. I see myself assisting you to find the space to reflect and understand more of what has been before and how change can be implemented. After all, you are the expert on you!
My aim is to help you to reconnect your conscious and unconscious mind in order to help you understand and explore the dynamics within your relationships and the problems you are facing. Through this exploration we can develop the ability to heal problems of the past and build an internal support system that allows you to make more positive choices going forward. A cornerstone of my work is to help you develop a deeper understanding of yourself, in order that you can take control of your life, rather than letting events control you.
My style as a counsellor is flexible and informal. I do not work to any sort of fixed programme of counselling or with a rigid framework, as I believe in tailoring my style to your needs as clients. At our first meeting we will discuss how you would like to work with me, what you want to achieve objectives are and what sort of approach would suit you best. I normally suggest that we meet weekly, but that is not fixed in stone, we can meet more or less often.
"You can't stop the waves, but you can learn to surf"
- Kabat-Zinn
Marriage, Couples and Relationship issues
Creating a safe and non-judgemental space in which couples can talk and investigate their relationship is essential. I have had extensive couples training to achieve this. Couples sessions are built around exploration of your issues backed up by agreeing specific tasks to be completed in between sessions.
I often find that the key to success lies in finding the right way to communicate – both within the counselling environment and outside it. Problems may seem insurmountable, deadlocks may seem unbreakable but if we are able to listen to each other properly and respect each other's points of view, compromises and clarity can be reached.
Supervision
I am a Clinical Supervisor, offering clinical supervision to qualified counsellors and psychotherapists, and to those in training or in related professions.
My style of supervision is consultative. I provide a space for you, whether you are a counsellor, psychotherapist or an allied professional to bring your client load, and consult with me about that work.
I aim to provide a compassionate, supportive environment which values curiosity and kindness. My intention is to provide a space where you can feel free to explore your work in a non-judgemental way.
As an Integrated counsellor and psychotherapist, I follow the Hawkins and Shohet 7 eye process model of supervision. I supervise contractually and relationally and work creatively and utilise objects, materials, worksheets, whiteboard as well as using metaphor. I hold in mind the three functions of supervision as outlined by Proctor. Namely; the formative, (educational) normative (ethical issues, the 'norms' of the profession and possible legal issues) and most importantly restorative (the effect of the work on the supervisee, personal issues, workload, time management and stress).
I value highly my one-to-one work with my supervisees, however group supervision has its' own benefits, including peer feedback and a multi layered approach to personal and professional development.
I offer both group and individual supervision.
The end of therapy
At the end of our work together, you can expect many positive life changes. An increased self-awareness and a renewed perspective enabling you to be in a position to make more informed choices and feel more in control. Over time, a reduction in the intensity of some overwhelming feelings and you will be in a stronger position to utilise effective coping techniques.
This will have a beneficial impact on your domestic, social and working life.
Counselling experience
I have many years experience working both privately and within charitable organisations such as MIND and Richmond AID. I have over seven years experience at Richmond Mind culminating in the role of Deputy Clinical Lead and now I am the Clinical Lead at Richmond AID. This rounded experience has helped me to develop my counselling skills and techniques to tailor my services to you.