My Approach

"Be yourself - everyone else is already taken"

Oscar Wilde

My main theoretical approach is Person-Centred. Carl Rogers was a Psychologist and the founding father of Client-Centred Therapy in 1951 which he later referred to as Person-Centred Therapy. His approach provided a warmer, more personable approach in contrast to Freudian Psychoanalysis.

He described 3 core conditions to facilitate change in an individual which are: empathic understanding, unconditional positive regard (being non-judgmental) and congruence (honesty). The idea is that if a Counsellor adopts this way of being and the client receives/feels the benefit of this understanding that this is enough to facilitate lasting change.

I have worked as a Professional Counsellor since 2008 and after completing a two year Professional Diploma decided to further my knowledge and completed a BA (Hons) in Counselling. My degree was Integrative which allowed me to encompass aspects of other theoretical approaches into my way of working, this included Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). I sometimes use CBT techniques to assist during the counselling process however, this is entirely dependent upon the relationship I have with the client. Any intervention I use during the counselling process is used with the sole intention of acting in complete service to the client.

I trust the client to explore material which is meaningful to them and work alongside them rather than lead. I work with clients with an aim to understand as fully as possible what it is like to walk in their shoes. 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.

Issues I am experienced in and work with include:

Depression
Anxiety and Phobias
Relationship Difficulties
Infidelity/Affairs
Life Changes/Transitions
Difficulties with Self-Esteem
Eating Issues
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Bereavement/Loss
Professional/Career Issues
College/Graduate School Issues
Medical and Health Concerns
Sexual Abuse
Stress Management
Traumatic Experiences
Emotional Abuse
Spirituality
Gender Issues
LGBTQ Related Issues
Overwhelming/Unfamiliar feelings