My Approach
Experienced
I completed my BACP-accredited Postgraduate diploma from Leeds Beckett University in 2015, having worked with clients for two years on placements at Craven College and Aire Valley Counselling by then. I have provided weekly counselling to an average of 12 clients per week since 2015.
Relational
I trained first as Person Centred therapist and then in the Relational approach, which focuses on the relationship between the client and counsellor as the essential force of healing in therapy - basically the more trust the client has in me and the more truthful to themselves they can be with me, the more effective therapy will be.
If you decide to work with me, I’ll use acceptance and empathy to create a relationship of trust with you. I offer a calming, nonjudgemental atmosphere and will also work with you to challenge unhelpful beliefs, negative self-talk and to offer alternative perspectives.
I believe my clients are the experts on their lives and I work to understand how each person’s inner and outer world look through their eyes. I will work to empower you to reach your goals and will accompany you on that journey. We will untangle your difficulties and examine them together, working out what you can leave behind and how.
I will work alongside you to explore issues in depth and to focus on your emotional and physical feelings, in order to accelerate your progress. I have found Focusing and creative approaches very helpful for those who work comfortably in that way. I will also help you to develop a self-care plan and coping strategies to take forward between sessions.
Just get in touch for a quick consultation or to book an assessment.
I offer creative approaches such as inviting the client to select pebbles to represent people in their lives, feelings they are struggling with, or different options in a difficult decision, for example, to achieve a depth of understanding. Most clients find this strange at first, but are surprised at how much insight it creates.