About Counselling
There are many approaches to counselling. Some are very structured and directive, others more flexible. I work in a person-centred way, which tends to be looser. It's called person-centred because the focus is less on strategies, interpretations and prescribed direction, and more on the way counsellor and client interact. Person-centred counselling is a process of self-discovery, until you find what you need to live your life with ease.
Counselling can’t change the unchangeable – there are many things that you cannot talk away. Death, divorce, discrimination, past trauma, conflict, illness, injury – a conversation won’t make these unhappen. But counselling can strengthen you, bring comfort, and provide a place to see things from new perspectives.
Carl Rogers, the creator of person-centred therapy, believed we all have the potential to flourish, if we are given honest, warm, focused attention. Throughout the day, we can feel ignored, shut down, or shamed, especially when sharing thoughts, feelings and experiences that make others nervous or worried. Sometimes we ignore, shut down or shame ourselves. The counselling relationship is one where these feelings can be spoken.
Because person-centredness relies on communication built on trust, it is important that you feel comfortable with your counsellor. I try to understand clients from their own perspective, rather than imposing my views on them. And if we meet and are just not on the same wavelength, I am more than happy to refer you to a colleague.
The counselling directory
provides a helpful guide to types of therapy.
