What is counselling?

Counselling doesn't have to just mean talking. Laugh. Cry. Whisper. Scream. Shout. Swear. Swear some more. Feel free to use counselling the way you wish to, in a warm, non-judgemental and accepting space.

I firmly believe that the collaborative relationship is key, and endeavour to keep this at the heart of any work I do. Amongst other strategies I use to encourage clients to move towards finding their 'true selves' and, ultimately, acceptance of who they are, I am particularly interested in how early attachments form our past, current and future relationships as well as how different 'parts' of us emerge and are strengthened as coping mechanisms in certain situations.

I have worked with a wide range of client issues including anxiety, low confidence and self-esteem, trauma, antidepressant withdrawals, depression, self-harm, bereavement and loss, physical and learning disabilities, sexual and gender identity, suicidal ideation and general feelings of low mood and loneliness.

As well as allowing clients to talk through their feelings, I have also employed creative techniques including free drawing, letter writing, poetry and songwriting, play scriptwriting and sand tray work. I believe that counselling is vital for a person to discover themselves at a deeper level, moving beyond a comfortable standard of understanding towards a higher comprehension of their unique personality and being.