About Counselling
Everyone has worries and problems but sometimes life experiences can be overwhelming and can manifest in physical and emotional problems. Counselling can be hugely beneficial for a wide range of emotional and personal issues, including;
relationship and family difficulties
anxiety/panic attacks/ stress
depression
identify and self-esteem issues
loss and bereavement
obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
problems from childhood
domestic and sexual abuse
Areas of specialism
My initial training was as a humanistic counsellor incorporating the teachings of person-centre, gestalt and existential therapies. I spent two years studying as a systemic practitioner with CAMHs (Child and Adult Mental Health Services).
I have a special interest working with anxiety and low self esteem and this has lead me to train in Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing. EMDR is one of the most significant recent developments in the field of psychotherapy, originally developed to help people deal with the effects of traumatic experiences, it is an extremely effective treatment for children as well as adults for a variety of emotional and behaviour problems. The therapy consists of a standard protocol which includes eight phases and alternating bilateral stimulation to desensitise traumatic memories.
EMDR is recommended for the treatment of post traumatic stress disorder in national and international guidelines, including the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and the World Health Organisation (WHO). It’s effectiveness with many other emotional and psychological problems such as anxiety and depression has also been proven by research. To read more about EMDR read the FAQ section of this website.
Couples Counselling
My personal approach when working with couples is from a systemic and behavioural framework, focusing on the relationship as the client. Patterns of communication are slowed-down and witnessed in a non-judgemental space to improve understanding and communication of each other's emotional selfs, past experiences and present positions. Outside of the room my aim is for couples counselling to increase confidence in managing difficulties and foster sustainable positive changes.
