Approach
In counselling, changes comes about through the development of a trusting and empathic relationship, in which we feel heard, psychologically held and - if we want - challenged. Due to the neuroplasticity of the brain, this process also creates new neuro-pathways in our brains - ones which may be more useful to us today and in the future.
I extend the offer of a safe, compassionate, inclusive and confidential space, in which we can think creatively together. You may be as free, or as cautious, as you feel able, while my work, is to listen, empathise, reflect and identify patterns, whilst supporting you to find your own truth, from within you.
I am open to identities, cultures and experiences which are different to my own and believe that inequality, discrimination and social and cultural structures, all impact on our experience of the world and of each other. I am open to challenge, where I am mistaken, or fall short.
Although the type of counselling or psychotherapy is secondary to the therapeutic relationship, the modality I am trained in, is psychodynamic.
Psychodynamic
Psychodynamic therory underpins all of my work. It has its origins in psychoanalysis and Freud, but its contemporary form has evolved since then. The psychodynamic approach considers the way in which our earliest relational experiences are are embedded in our unconscious and help to create our sense of self. Where these experiences are positive, or Good Enough (Winnicott), or where our attachment to our care-givers is secure (Bowlby and Ainsworth), we can develop healthy self esteem and a resilience to adversity. However, we can still struggle with unhelpful patterns in life, or be affected by traumatic events.
Where these experiences have been less than positive, neglectful or abusive, we can develop a sense of self which is fragile, defensive or self-punitive. This can lead to patterns of behaviour and upsetting emotions, which are often played out repeatedly in our work, relationships and experience of life.
It can be difficult to identify and change these patterns on our own, but through a trusting and empathic therapeutic relationship, we can explore the meaning of our experiences, recognise and break these patterns and learn both how to be more true to ourselves and be in better relationships with others.
Psychotherapy or counselling
Psychotherapist, Counsellor and Therapist are not protected titles and do not have agreed definitions. This can lead to confusion. A new framework, uncluding definitions, is under way nationally and clearer definitions may soon emerge.
My diploma is in Human Relations and Counselling and therefore I currently describe myself as a counsellor. However, I am trained, willing and able to work with you on a short-term issue, or at depth, over a longer period of time.
Short and Long Term Counselling
In short-term counselling, we could look at a specific difficulty or challenge in your life, or be open to whatever emerges from a few weeks of work.
In longer term, or open-ended counselling, we would have the time to develop a more trusting relationship and explore your experiences at a deeper level. This might be particularly useful if you feel stuck in any aspect of your life, want to be more true to yourself, have longstanding difficulties, experienced trauma or traumatic loss, or have noticed unhelpful patterns which are repeating in your life.
We can discuss the length of counselling in an initial session and review it regularly - you will never be tied into a long-term commitment.
Other information on counselling and psychotherapy
Links to interesting podcasts, or counselling training, can be found here.