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