My core training is as a person-centred counsellor. In brief this means that I think the relationship between counsellor and client is key, that we need to establish trust between us for therapy to work. I will hear what you say, not just listen, but really pay attention and I will do that without judging you or otherwise making you feel uncomfortable. In time this will enable you to feel safe enough that you can talk about anything. I will not tell you how to sort out your issues but working together, we will explore what is going on for you and discover what you wish to do about it and how you might achieve these changes.
Counselling is about change. It’s about wanting to make changes out in the world but also in your head, how you think about yourself. Sometimes you know what you want intellectually but you’re not emotionally prepared to actually carry it out. You may be stuck in life and not know what it is you want to change. Even if you cannot change a situation you can still learn to change how you feel and respond to it.
So we talk about it. You might want to start with what’s going on for you right now or you might want to dive into your childhood or past trauma. The trauma might still be ongoing. You might not recognise it as trauma. I do not tell you where to go with it or what decisions to make. I help you unravel and work out for yourself what you want and how to do it.
Going to therapy is hard work. It is often portrayed on the film screen as a quick comfy chat where insights flow quickly. In reality it can be a slow slog struggling to understand, to talk about how you feel. You may uncover and talk about stuff that is painful and feel worse for a while. Hopefully talking about the pain will lessen it but it doesn’t happen all at once. It takes patience, dedication and hard work from the client, along with a determination to see it through. My job is to go on that transformational journey with you and help you move forward whilst keeping you as safe as possible. There will be times when you feel stuck, where you really don’t know where you want to go in a session. Although these times can be really hard work, insights can often be gained focusing on what is sticking for you.
I will draw on other modalities and numerous training courses to support and develop my professional skills. I treat each client as an individual. There is no one size fits all method. If I feel a client needs specialist skills I cannot provide I will do my best to explain the benefits and refer on with your permission where appropriate.
Counsellors often write a long list of issues they work with. I am happier seeing the client as a whole person made up of a number of complex and interrelated issues rather than a single issue in isolation. I enjoy working long term with a client but a short number of sessions can also be beneficial. I have worked with anxiety, depression, long-term health issues, financial fears, the impact of benefits, bereavement, self-esteem, intuitive eating, identity and belonging, abuse and trauma amongst other issues.
Barefoot 