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Counselling

My Approach

As a Humanistic Counsellor, I believe in your capacity for innate knowing and personal growth. Sadly we can lose our connection to ourselves and consequently our ability to trust in our own capacity. Counselling can help to restore this connection. My approach is integrative, meaning that I draw from several humanistic approaches but the heart of my approach is person-centred and compassion focused. I offer a warm and non-judgmental space where together we can explore any difficulties or challenges you may be facing and you can express your thoughts and emotions in a safe environment, at your pace. I am here to listen without judgment or expectation, to help you find your own way forward.

Trauma Therapy

1 in 7 people experience a significant traumatic event before the age of 18. Survivors of abuse are also more likely to have experienced more than 1 significant traumatic event, as they may have experienced multiple or prolonged periods of abuse. The impact of trauma can be devastating and long lasting, causing severe symptoms such as acute anxiety, panic, post traumatic stress or Complex PTSD. This can significantly affect the survivor's quality of life and ability to function or thrive. If this resonates with you it is important you know that this is not your fault. It is not because of something you did or didn't do. It is because of something that happened to you. The most important thing now is that firstly, you survived and secondly, that support is available and recovery really is possible.

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If you are experiencing distressing symptoms like anxiety, panic, flashbacks, disturbed sleep... I will help you to develop resources and learn techniques that will support you in reducing these symptoms and improve your quality of life. Sadly, as a consequence of trauma we can internalise very negative views about ourselves that we are 'unworthy' of love, compassion and care. These beliefs are false, you are worthy and I will help you challenge any false negative beliefs and messages imposed on you by another. I will also help you develop a more compassionate relationship with yourself using a compassion focused approach for recovery from trauma.

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I have trained in Somatic Trauma Therapy with Babette Rothschild, a leading trauma specialist and author of 'The Body Remembers', I use this approach in my work. I also use trauma education to help explain the impact of trauma, not only is it interesting but it also makes a lot of sense and helps you take back the reins and reclaim your life. Trauma informed counselling reduces the impact and symptoms of trauma using very simple techniques that empower survivors in their recovery, leading to a deep sense of healing and personal growth (also known as 'Post Traumatic Growth').

Compassion Focused Therapy

I use a Compassion-Focused approach in counselling and also in my own life. So often we don't offer ourselves the same compassion and understanding that we naturally offer others, friends and even strangers. Developing a compassionate mind might mean: learning to rest when you're tired, discovering your own pace, learning self-care... giving yourself permission to have a night off, treating yourself, having a nice bath. But it also means treating yourself fairly and with respect, putting yourself higher up on your list of priorities, putting healthy boundaries in place like how you expect others to treat you. Learning to say, 'No' to others when you need to and, 'Yes' to yourself. It also means giving yourself realistic expectations and being understanding of your strengths and your limitations, you are human after all. We're all doing the best that we can with what we have right now. Coming to terms with being human can be challenging but in accepting ourselves, as we are, and with compassion, a deeper sense of self-worth will emerge.

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Presenting Issues

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  • Anxiety

  • Abuse (Emotional, Physical and Sexual, Neglect)

  • Addiction(s)

  • Adolescence 

  • Anger management  

  • Attachment disorder 

  • Bereavement 

  • Bullying  

  • Child related issues 

  • Chronic fatigue syndrome & Fybromyalgia

  • Depression

  • Domestic violence 

  • Dissociation 

  • Eating disorders

  • Gender dysphoria & Gender Identity 

  • Loneliness 

  • Loss & Grief

  • Low self-confidence 

  • Low self-esteem

  • Low self-worth 

  • Miscarriage  

  • Postnatal depression

  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)  

  • Relationship issues

  • Family issues

  • Separation and divorce

  • Self-harm 

  • Sexuality  

  • Stress 

  • Suicidal thoughts 

  • Trauma 

  • Work-related stress & burnout

  • Vicarious Trauma

  • Young carers

Children and Young People

I have been working with children and young people for more than 20 years, with a wide range of ages and needs and in a variety of settings. In counselling, I work with children and young people aged 11 and above. Please see my page dedicated to counselling children and young people for more detailed information.

Mindfulness & Sensory Integration 

Many of us are living such fast paced lives it really gives new meaning to the term 'multi-tasking'. Within our society we have developed expectations of ourselves and others to be constantly available by mobile phone, group chat, social media, email etc... and consequently we forget to take time out, rest and recharge. In some ways I think we compare ourselves to computers and forget that we can't just plug ourselves in to a power supply and instantly recharge. Our human systems don't work like that. This new norm isn't sustainable, the impact on mental and physical health in the long term can lead to high levels of stress, anxiety and ill health. Mindfulness is about focusing our attention and awareness onto the here & now rather than the million and one things we 'should be doing'. Using our senses (sight, hearing, touch, taste, smell) can bring our minds back into focus in the present. It's amazing how much more you can notice in your environment when you pay attention to it. Mindfulness techniques can bring calmness and balance back into your life.

If you would like to arrange some Counselling or Trauma Therapy with me, please see my 'Practicalities' page for further details about prices, location and contact details.

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