Integrative Counselling

There are many different types of counselling. I am an integrative counsellor, which means I draw theory and tools from various counselling modalities, so I can offer a personalised approach to each client or couple I work with.

I also have specific training on working with elements of faith, religion and spirituality into my counselling and am happy to include this when clients want to.

My counselling is generally talk based, but I also use creative activities, therapy cards, worksheets and other tools to aid in the counselling work. I encourage you to have an open mind to things that are new to you. It is always your choice whether or how to engage with the different ideas or activities I offer.

Counselling Relationship

A trusting, therapeutic relationship between the counsellor/therapist and their client(s) is the most important foundation for healing and change in counselling. Part of the work of counselling is developing this relationship where you can then feel safe and supported as you explore the difficulties you are having and find ways to heal and develop.

In counselling, I work on helping you to recognise and embrace the safety as you learn to open up about your personal and relationship difficulties, discover new insight and grow, in order to live a fuller life. It’s ok to make mistakes, it’s ok to cry, it’s ok to not know the answer and it’s ok to take your time. We will go at your pace and I will not force you to talk about anything before you feel ready to try.

I do not discriminate on the basis of age, gender, sexual orientation, ethnic origin or religion.

Whole Person Approach

I believe the different elements of who we are (emotions, thoughts, behaviour and choices, relationships, spirit/soul, and physical body) all work together and influence each other. If one is not functioning well, the whole system will struggle to function. I aim to work with the whole person, looking at the different elements to understand the problems and find options for healing and positive change.

Where Problems Come From

I believe humans all have deep needs for unconditional love, acceptance and a sense of purpose in their lives. Where we are lacking in these things, we use different behaviours to try to get our needs met. We may not realise why we are doing these things and at times they may seem irrational or crazy. They aren’t. They are you trying to get your needs met, but the ways you’re doing this may not actually be helping and maybe making life more difficult for you.

Finding Healing

We can find clues about what is going on by looking at our bodies, emotions, thoughts and behaviour. Looking at childhood relationships and experiences can help too. By understanding why we do, think and feel certain things, we then have the option to make changes which will give s access to more freedom and enjoyment in life.

All of this can take time and patience. I am prepared to work with my clients for as few or many sessions as they need, and the door is always open for more sessions later if needed. I hope that by the time you finish counselling, you will have more understanding of yourself, why you got into difficulties, what healthy change looks like, and how you can keep learning and growing into the person you were created to be.