Jonathan Hayward

In counselling, you do most of the talking: you are the best-informed person about yourself, after all. My part is first to listen fully, without judgment and with openness to your situation, and to reflect back clearly what I hear. This first stage may provide a lot of relief by itself, and you may want just to stop there. Where we go next can take a variety of routes; a deeper exploration of past events, 'here and now' work using the body, creative approaches, or a sharing of theoretical understanding. Whether longer or shorter term work is entered into; mutual agreement and respect are central. Either way, we aim to get to the heart of the matter, finding your own wisdom and sanity in the situation you have brought, and to bring about the change that you need. Both TA and Buddhism take the view that we are all fundamentally 'OK', that we have the basic wellness and sanity to seek happiness. My most rewarding work is where clients become more connected with this and see a way forward or transformation that comes from within. The evidence of over a century of therapy indicates that the quality of the therapeutic relationship (therapist and client) is the key ingredient for success. For this reason I offer a free initial session with prospective clients to determine if they have a sense of safety confidence and trust from the outset.