Meet the Therapist: Avril Taylor
Avril Taylor is a counsellor in Wolverhampton and online
What attracted you to become a therapist?
It’s something that I’ve always wanted to do. After working in the care sector for 17 years, I felt that I wanted to deal with the mental issues that often have an impact on a persons wellbeing as a whole.
Where did you train?
I trained and qualified at the city of Wolverhampton college and have just got my BA (Honours) in counselling so I am an integrative counsellor as well.
Can you tell us about the type of therapy you practise?
I’m a person-centred counsellor. This type of therapy is based on the premise that the client knows themselves better than anyone else. It is about what the client brings into therapy and not what I think the client should be talking about. It’s all about taking that journey with you the client and gaining a different perspective on the situation.
How does person-centred counselling help with grief and bereavement?
I have used person-centred counselling for bereavement, to help the person to understand and explore their feelings in a safe environment, to help them understand that the feelings surrounding their loss are normal but also unique to them and that there is no time scale to when those feelings stop or get better. It all takes time.
What sort of people do you usually see?
I see client of all ages from 18-80 years old. I have clients from all different backgrounds, cultures, gender, sexual orientations and social economic backgrounds. Clients come with a varied range of concerns from depression, relationship problems, PTSD, anxiety and bereavement or loss of some kind. I see individuals mostly.
What do you like about being a therapist?
I like the fact that it’s something I really love to do and that it’s done in a way where is no judgment; it’s built on trust, for both mine and my clients' benefit.
What is less pleasant?
I haven’t yet found anything that isn’t pleasant about my job. I could have a client come and see me and it becomes clear that I can not help them, but I am able to refer them to the help that is more suitable for them. But I never just refer them on and send them on their way, I always give them the option to continue with their sessions until the referral date is as close as possible if they prefer. And I can also offer a follow up call, with their agreement.
How long you’ve been with welldoing.org and what you think of us?
I have been with welldoing.org for a few months now. I like the look of the booking system, but have not used it yet. I find the online support team very good and they are a great help and support.
Do you ever suggest books or apps to clients?
I often suggest relaxation apps to my clients. I find them convenient as can be used on the go, and they are also discreet as you can download them to you’re phone and tailor them to what you want.
What you do for your own mental health?
For my mental health I meditate and make time for myself. I also try to have a work-life balance which is very important, as well as working out at the gym.
You are a therapist in the Wolverhampton area – what can you tell us about working with clients in that area?
Wolverhampton has a very diverse population which I think is just the best. Whatever class, culture, gender and age you are, if you're having mental health issues it doesn’t matter where you come from or what background you’re from, it’s that you have access to the help you need that matters. People in Wolverhampton I find are very open to talking about what concerns them.
What’s your consultation room like?
At the moment I am working using video call, telephone or home visits if requested.
What do you wish people knew about therapy?
I would like people to know that therapy is a personal choice and that therapy works if you are ready to have therapy. I find that therapy can help people see things differently than before.
What did you learn about yourself in therapy?
What I learned about myself is that I am just like everyone else. I learned that it’s fine to share how I’m feeling and to talk about it, and that I can make decisions that are right for me at the time.
