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My approach
I believe that despite our many differences and unique ways of viewing life, most of us have a deep down need to be heard, valued and accepted for who we are. I offer a safe and confidential space in which you can talk with a professionally trained counsellor who is able to help you work through the things that weigh you down or cause you distress or confusion. Dealing with difficult emotions can be hard work and it is important that you know that whatever you bring will be treated in a non-judgemental way with integrity, compassion and respect. Nothing is too trivial despite what other people might think or say. If you feel something is holding you back in life then it is important and worth spending time looking at more closely. You may find that you become more aware of choices you could make, as you identify and understand some of the emotions and responses that have been linked to your particular situation. Only you can make those choices but I can support you as you consider how to best make use of the resources you have within yourself that will enable you to move forward. My core training was in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and this way of working together with subsequent training, continuous professional development activities and experience of other counselling models means I am able to offer flexibility and will use the approach best suited to your needs. We will work together to find out what works best for you and we will regularly review our sessions to ensure we are moving in the right direction. |
Whichever counselling approach is used, you are not limited in time to the number of sessions you may have. About Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) CBT is a highly effective form of psychotherapy that recognises the link between our thoughts, our emotions and our behaviour. Our thoughts will have developed over time as a result of our unique way of interpreting what happens to us in life and how we view ourselves, other people and the world around us. By focusing on our thoughts or behaviours we can find a way into our emotions and learn how to break unhelpful patterns of thinking and behaviours that give rise to negative feelings. If you find CBT useful, you will have the opportunity in your sessions to use techniques that will help you identify unhelpful thoughts and behaviours and practise ways of modifying them to enable you to manage your emotions more effectively. These are helpful tools that you will be able to take away with you and use in the future. CBT is widely used within the NHS and the private sector and is recommended by The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) for the treatment of depression and anxiety. Many people benefit from a combination of medication and CBT. Often, medication is used to provide some relief from symptoms and CBT is used to provide long-term strategies for getting well and staying well. "Men are disturbed not by things, but by the view which they take of them" Epictecus - Stoic philosopher |