Why Come For Counselling?

Life isn't always easy.  Past experiences can stay with us, making it hard to move on.  Work and relationships can feel overwhelming and sometimes it's difficult to see a way forward.  This is where counselling can help, it offers a space that's just for you - somewhere to talk, be truly heard and gently explore the changes you want in your life.

Maybe low self-esteem is holding you back, you feel sad, lonely, anxious, or worthless.  You long to feel comfortable in yourself, feel that you matter and deserve happiness, without being overwhelmed by fear of judgement or rejection.
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You don’t have to keep struggling with self-doubt, therapy can help you nurture self-compassion, recognise your own worth and develop a stronger sense of self-respect.  Together, we can work on building your confidence and self-esteem helping you move forward with more ease and self-belief.

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How I Work:
I offer a calm and welcoming space where you can explore and reflect on the issues troubling you - free from judgement. 

I work integratively, blending person-centred therapy with other modalities and interventions such as cognitive behavioural therapy, psychoeducation, self-compassion and relaxation techniques.

The therapy I offer is non-directive, my role isn't to tell you what to do or guide you down a set path.  Instead, I'll be alongside you as you deepen your understanding of yourself.  I value the uniqueness of every client’s experience and, by gently challenging with compassion, I'll support you in finding your own way and clarifying what you want to change or achieve.
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Our work together will focus on you as the expert in your own life.  Each session will be your space to bring whatever feels important - whether that's managing anxiety, building self-belief, or making sense of difficult feelings. Together, we'll explore your thoughts, feelings and experiences, creating opportunities for reflection, insight and growth.

Some of the areas of therapy I deal with are:
Anxiety
Depression
Loss and grief
Low self-esteem
Trauma
Work-related issues

What Is Person-Centred Therapy?

The Person-Centred approach was developed by Carl Rogers in the mid-1900s.  It is built on the understanding that individuals instinctively want to improve and develop throughout life and that they strive to achieve their full potential regardless of their circumstances and what they are experiencing. 

This innate quest for growth can, however, be blocked by an individual’s perception of themselves which has developed as a result of the demands and expectations of people within their lives and the need for positive regard.  This separation from their ‘real’ self can lead to emotional disturbance and anxiety and feelings of threat in certain situations and experiences. 

It is believed that by providing the right conditions and promoting greater self-awareness and self-acceptance each person can modify these learnt beliefs to bring about change and live a more fulfilling life as the individual they actually are.  It is the therapeutic relationship developed during counselling that helps in building the capacity to begin this process of change.