About Counselling: Taking those first steps to having brighter days
Counselling is a different experience for each and every person. No one is the same; we are all unique. It can be beneficial in so many ways: to start with, by having that time, just for you, to talk about and share whatever is troubling you. For some, that in itself is such a relief. For others, it can be about making sense of life when things are feeling off or not right. It can be about making changes, empowerment, positive growth or recovery. Counselling is all about the journey and I recognise it can be hard to make that first step. I am here to support you, through the first phone call and then challenges and changes that you may need to face along the way.
Why a counsellor
Speaking to family and friends can be very helpful. But there may be times that talking to someone who is impartial, who is not emotionally attached or connected, can be more valuable. Speaking to someone you know may make you feel like a burden; perhaps you may feel like you are letting people down or that you are weak and a disappointment to others. There may be expectations involved. All of these feelings can leave you feeling vulnerable. Talking about these thoughts, feelings, behaviours and emotions in a counselling setting can be explored from a non-judgemental and empathetic perspective. You can open up and all those feelings of burden and vulnerability can be left behind closed doors.
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I have had experience working with a variety of issues over the years and continue to learn and grow with every session and every client. Some of the issues I can help with are:
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Abuse
Adolescence/young people
Ageing and related issues
Anxiety
Anger Management
Autism/Asperger Syndrome/ADHD
Self-confidence/Self-esteem
Bereavement/loss
Bullying
Depression
Divorce/Seperation
Family
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Parenting Skills
Phobias
Relationships
Self-harm
Emotional issues
Panic attacks
Self-defeating behaviours
Stress
Sleep issues
“When people appear to be something other than good and decent, it is only because they are reacting to stress, pain, or the deprivation of basic human needs such as security, love, and self-esteem.”
Abraham Maslow
(Psychologist and creator of Maslow's hierarchy of needs)
How can counselling help you?
Counselling can help you;
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Make sense of life events
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Make sense of thoughts, feelings, behaviours
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Develop self-awareness
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Feel a sense of fulfilment
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Develop self compassion, self- esteem and self confidence
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Explore your sense of purpose
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Challenge unhelpful thoughts and patterns of behaviour
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Offer immediate relief by speaking to someone and sharing those innermost thoughts and feelings
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Provide a space which is warm, empathetic and confidential
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Give you a richer understanding of who you are
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Provide clarity and a different perspective
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Help you see and understand those self-defeating behaviours
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Provide you with strategies to deal with anxiety or negative thought patterns
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Support you through challenging times
What to expect
I recommend an initial 20-minute free phone consultation to discuss what is troubling you and then you can decide if I am the right counsellor for you. Making sure I am the right counsellor is part of the therapeutic process and important for you.
Once the first session has been confirmed, I will give you the address where the sessions will be held. Currently all sessions are via video call.
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Each counselling session is up to 50 minutes long. The number of sessions can vary depending on the issues and what is discussed. I offer short and long-term therapy, and regularly review how you are feeling.
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You can contact me via phone or email or through the contacts page. If I am unable to answer then please leave a voicemail or message and I will return your call as soon as possible. I work Monday to Friday, 9:00-17:00.
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I feel very privileged to be able to work with my clients and to be with them on their journey. Each client helps in shaping me be as the counsellor I am today. I believe the counselling journey is important in restoring qualities as this means you are heard, you can speak your own language, and emotional health and wellbeing can be restored.
It can be difficult to take those first steps but I hope that you can find it in you to call or message me today to begin that journey.
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