"Nothing happens until the pain of remaining the same

outweighs the pain of change"

Authur Burt

 

I had my first experience of Counselling over 16 years ago when I was going through a particularly difficult time in my life which was later diagnosed as pre/post-natal depression, severely imparing my mental health.  I felt completely overwhelmed by feelings of fear and was incredibly lost.  I was referred to see a Counsellor by my G.P. and for one of the first times in my life I began to feel understood by another person, helping me to begin to understand myself.

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This period of distress formed the beginning of my interest in Counselling where I decided to find out more and enrolled on an Introduction to Counselling course - from then on I was hooked!  What I love the most about being a Counsellor is experiencing such a wide variety of relationships, all of which are completely unique like the people themselves.   Every person whom I have had the pleasure of working alongside has enriched my life in some way and offered me additional understanding about myself.

 

I am an ex-serving member of the Royal Navy which provided me with valuable insight into what life is like in the armed forces and also increased awareness of the unique and numerous challenges that forces families face every day.

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I have engaged in extensive periods of personal therapy and rather than viewing this as a weakness at not being able to cope alone, I now view this as a strength that I am able to find and ask for help when I need it.  My experience of personal therapy has enriched my life both personally and professionally, helping me to become more knowledgeable and compassionate towards myself.

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In my experience as a client, experiencing a caring relationship with someone who values and accepts me just as I am facilitates CHANGE and GROWTH.  The Counsellor's acceptance of the client acts as a catalyst to encourage and facilitate the client to begin their own process of self-acceptance.  ​

 

I understand that counselling is often a huge step for people and is acknowledgement that someone is asking for help.  I work in a caring and non-judgmental way and believe that EVERYONE is capable of change and growth if there is a desire to do so.