I work with people aged 18+ from a a diverse range of backgrounds and cover a number of different issues. I offer a range of appointment times, including daytime, evenings and weekends. I also offer support to clients across different time zones. 

As a counsellor I aim to be many things - clear, honest, practical and realistic amongst others - but, above all, I want you to know this: it is possible to have a different relationship with your struggles.

Feeling overwhelmed, stuck in a low place, self-destructive or even suicidal is more common than you might think. Reaching out for some objective, confidential support is a brave and proactive step to take.

I don’t promise a perfect or instant ‘fix’ - I’m sceptical that such a thing exists, truth be told - but being more present in the moment, feeling more fulfilled or energetic, challenging negative thought cycles and changing your relationship with the past are all achievable goals which we can work towards, together.

HOW I CAN HELP

“Do you think I’d benefit from counselling?” is a question I’m often asked.

Counselling gives you space and time to think and talk through things that are troubling you - a process most people could benefit from. If you’re thinking about it, the answer is probably ‘yes’.

It might be helpful to look over the following list and see if any of the issues resonate with you. Remember, however, that this isn’t an exhaustive set of problems, nor is it necessary to be at ‘rock bottom’ or a crisis point to find value in counselling.

Concerns I can help with:

●        Feeling overwhelmed

●        Struggling with feelings of shame, guilt and worthlessness

●        Feeling lost, lacking motivation, interest or meaning in life

●        Knowing you’re not taking care of yourself/feeling self-destructive

●        Feelings of despair or hopelessness

●        Depression

●        Addiction

●        Dealing with bereavement and loss

●        Stress

●        Difficulty in your relationships

●        Difficulty reaching important decisions

●        Facing change and challenges and needing support

●        Feeling stuck

●        Struggling with belief and confidence

●        Going through a life transition

·       Struggling with anxieties triggered by the coronavirus pandemic

MY APPROACH

I use an integrative approach in my counselling which, as the name suggests, means combining a number of different therapy styles. These depend on you, and what I believe will best support you. We are all different, and part of the counselling experience is about realising that many of the answers and solutions we seek are already inside us. Talking to someone in a therapy context can help us to uncover them.

At the foundation of my approach is the importance of creating safety and trust, giving you space and time to share your personal difficulties, to talk freely about things that concern you and, to explore thoughts and feelings that you might not normally share: an approach known as ‘person-centred counselling’.

In addition to cognitive work, sometimes we might use exercises that give you an experience of being in deeper feelings. This is because we can often learn more about ourselves and come to realisations by actually BEING IN the experience as opposed to solely TALKING ABOUT the experience : an approach known as 'experiential therapy'.

We may also explore your dilemmas in the context of the wider family in which you grew up. This is because we take on beliefs, roles and values based on events that happen in our family through the generations. This can unconsciously shape who we are and how we behave in the world today (In therapy speak this is ‘Family Systems Theory’).

Where it might be helpful and appropriate, we can use Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT): a practical, self-help technique from the exciting and emerging field of energy psychology. 

I am also influenced by 'mind-body' approaches such as mindfulness, Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP), Non-Violent Communication and the Twelve-step recovery principles.

However, it all depends on what I believe will best support you. Everybody is different and we will draw from different approaches in the way that best supports your growth and evolution. Most of all it's about supporting you to make your own discoveries and find your own answers. I believe within each of us we all have the innate potential and resources that we need to be able to move through our struggles and grow.

Together we’ll set goals for what you would like to achieve from your sessions and we’ll work at your pace.

TAKING THE FIRST STEP

It’s vital that you feel comfortable working with a therapist, and so I always arrange an initial consultation session. For this, we meet in person or using online video link to work through some initial assessment questions and to give you the chance to ask questions of your own. This free initial consultation lasts for up to one hour and comes with no obligation to continue.  

If you are interested to explore working with me please get in touch

For more information visit my website.

Whilst my website concentrates on my wider work providing counselling and training to those in the farming community, please note I work with individuals from all walks of life. 

www.strong-heart.co.uk/counselling