"Be yourself - everyone else is already taken"

Oscar Wilde

 

My main theoretical approach is the Person-Centred Approach (also known as Client Centred Therapy). 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 main 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.

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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.  My particular area of interest is working with Trauma (including Complex Trauma and PTSD) and have undertaken additional training and qualifications to enable me to work in this specialised area.  

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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.

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Issues I am experienced in and work with include:

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• Traumatic experiences/Complex Trauma/PTSD

• Depression

• Anxiety

• Relationship Difficulties

• Infidelity/Affairs

• Life Changes/Transitions

• Difficulties with Self-Esteem

• Eating Issues

• Bereavement/Loss

• Professional/Career Issues

• College/School Issues

• Medical and Health Concerns

• Sexual Abuse 

• Stress Management

• Emotional/Physical/Sexual Abuse

• Spirituality

• Gender Issues

• LGBTQ+ Related Issues

• Overwhelming/Unfamiliar feelings