What is counselling?
Counselling is a type of talking therapy that allows you to talk about any problems and feelings in a confidential and safe environment. Counselling is not like talking to a friend. Counsellors and Psychotherapists are trained to listen empathically, helping you to deal with negative thoughts and feelings that you may be experiencing. These feelings and thoughts might be causing emotional pain or making you feel uncomfortable.
Counselling provides a safe and regular space for you to talk and explore difficult feelings. As a counsellor I am there to support you and respect your views. I won't give advice, but I will help you find your own insights into and understanding of your problems. Therapy can often involve talking about difficult or painful feelings and, as you begin to face them, you may feel many different emotions - some negative. However with help and support, you should gradually start to feel better.
During your counselling sessions (usually 50 minutes long), you'll be encouraged to express your feelings and emotions. By discussing your concerns, you will gain a better understanding of your feelings and thought processes, as well as identifying ways of finding your own solutions to problems. It can be a great relief to share your worries and fears with someone who acknowledges your feelings and is able to help you reach a positive solution, without judging or criticising you.
For counselling to be effective, we need to build a trusting and safe relationship. In most cases, it takes a number of weekly sessions before the counselling starts to make a difference, and a regular commitment is required to make the best use of the therapy.
I also offer online, telephone and email therapy - please email me for more information about how this works.
My approach
Cognitive behavioural therapy is a form of therapy that can help you manage your problems by changing the way you think and behave. CBT cannot remove your problems, but it can help you deal with them in a more positive way. It is based on the concept that your thoughts, feelings, physical sensations and actions are interconnected, and that negative thoughts and feelings can trap you in a vicious cycle.
My Integrative practice and training incorporates client-centered counselling, multi-modal CBT and Jungian theory which considers the individual psyche and the quest for wholeness.. No two people are the same, and therefore using an integrative approach enables me to be flexible with the client and their individual therapeutic journey.
I can offer a free initial session, which will provide you with the opportunity to establish how we will work together and ask any questions. During that first session, we can discuss your goals and expectations, how therapy works and my policy on cancellations, appointment times and confidentiality.
Please ensure that any counsellor or therapist you choose to see is a member of a professional association such as the BACP or UKCP.
My location is in Shepherds Bush, West London.
Sessions from £50.