Counselling information

Integrative Counselling

Counselling is about exploring thoughts, feelings, behaviours and emotions by identifying difficulties and concerns-sometimes linked to specific life events or circumstances. It can enable you to have an opportunity to discover how to move forward in a different way. It may be new to you, and can sometimes feel daunting knowing what to expect from sessions. If you want to read a bit more about the process please see the below link:

https://www.bacp.co.uk/about-therapy/what-is-counselling/

There are different approaches which can be used for counselling, depending on the training of your counsellor. Some counsellors use one main 'approach' in sessions, whereas I use three main approaches commonly used within 'integrative' counselling. These approaches are psychodynamic, person-centred (also referred to as 'humanistic') and cognitive-behavioural therapy principles. This means you have choice about how you want to approach sessions, and explore the things you are finding challenging at the moment. This can also enable us to discuss things together in different ways, and identify how you feel is best to move forwards and meet any goals you may have. Sessions will be adapted based on what you feel you want to work on, and will be part of a process we explore together.

For our work together to be effective it is important to be aware of what is happening in the relationship between the client and counsellor. It is widely recognised that the relationship you build with your counsellor is as important as the approach they use, if not more important.

My training and experience enables me to work with clients on short-term goal focused work, as well as offering open-ended longer-term work for those that need it. Working in this way gives us the option to explore challenges you may be experiencing which are deeper routed, if/when you feel ready to explore this together. 

It is really important to have a good/positive connection with your counsellor which is something we can explore at an assessment appointment before contracting for further sessions. This means you can make sure you feel comfortable working with me, and that you feel I can offer what you need at this time. We can talk about what has bought you to seek support, as well as any barriers you may have identified about personal change/progress, or the concept of counselling sessions. 

Counselling is not a linear process and can come with its own challenges as you learn more about yourself. However, clients generally find progress and positive changes occur if they feel able to commit and engage with sessions. I actively encourage clients to bring any challenges they may be feeling about sessions, the counselling process, or difficulties between us so we can try to resolve this together.