What is Counselling?
A brief definition of the counselling relationship
BACP defines a counsellor or a psychotherapist as someone who is employed, either in a voluntary or paid capacity, to use their skills in order to help others understand or explore their emotional problems. The BACP definition of counselling/ psychotherapy states that “Counselling and psychotherapy are umbrella terms that cover a range of talking therapies. They are delivered by trained practitioners who work with people over a short or long term to help them bring about effective change and/or enhance their wellbeing
Therapists can offer a safe and confidential space to help explore emotionally-based problems and help you make sense of your world n Help you to explore feelings and thoughts, in order to resolve emotional distress,help you towards a better understanding of self and others, which in turn may lead to an improved ability to relate to others.
Additionally the therapist will ensure that there are no interruptions during sessions, be reliable about times of meetings and maintain confidentiality & store your personal information in line with the Informaiton Commissioners Office guidance, within boundaries which they will explain to you, practice self-care by undertaking Supervision in line with BACP requirements,set and maintain the boundaries of the relationship, and explain these to you in your introductory
It is important that, before therapy begins, the therapist and client clearly understand and agree on what they expect from each other. These questions may help to reach that understanding, but they are simply examples of what might be asked. Many organisations and therapists provide an initial ‘intake’ or ‘assessment’ session in which most, perhaps all, of these questions will be discussed. Many therapists are likely to give an explanation of what can be expected which will answer most, perhaps all, of the questions. It is, however, very important to feel comfortable enough to talk openly to a therapist, and the way in which the first session goes can be an important way of deciding whether or not you and the therapist are going to be able to work together.
Link to BACP factsheet about How to choose a counsellor of psychotherapist:-
https://www.bacp.co.uk/media/6811/bacp-choosing-counsellor-psychotherapist-c3.pdf
My Approach
What is on offer is counselling of a Person-Centred nature. This means you are empowered to discover solutions to issues in a supportive environment. As a counsellor I offer you my honesty and respect while we explore issues you feel you would like to bring to counselling at the times that we have agreed.
My training is in Gestalt Therapy. Gestalt is a humanistic/existential therapy that believes people are born with the resources and ability to be in rewarding contact with other human beings and lead a satisfying creative life. However, often during childhood and sometimes later on in life, something interrupts this process, and a person becomes stuck in fixed patterns and beliefs about themselves and the world. Gestalt aims to investigate and uncover how these patterns are still active and affecting a person’s present life. I hope to support you to find new and creative ways to resolve any presenting issues.