What to Expect from Counselling

HOW I WORK

PERSON-CENTRED COUNSELLING

Person-Centred Counselling is rooted in the belief that we all have an innate desire for personal growth, yet we all come across different obstacles that prevent us from reaching our full potential, such as the expectations of others and the pressures we put on ourselves. Counselling can help you become more aware of when these obstacles tend to arise, and over time, how to give them less control over your life.

Being person-centred means I am guided by you, and so tailoring my approach to fit each person's individual needs and goals is an huge part of how I work.

LGBTQ+ AFFIRMATIVE

I provide a safe, accepting space for clients of all genders and sexual orientations. I may address the impact that growing up in a heteronormative and cisnormative society can have on mental health, if this feels relevant to the counselling work.

I follow the Gender, Sexuality and Relationship Diversity (GSRD) model. This is a broader framework inclusive of anyone who falls outside the societal norms relating to gender, sexuality and relationships. For example, some people might not identify with the letters in LGBTQ+, but may practice kink or ethical non-monogamy.

COUPLES & RELATIONSHIP COUNSELLING

I work with all kinds of relationships, including familial relationships, friendships, as well as romantic or sexual partnerships in which more than two people are involved.

I aim to help you identify where you each are at and where you want to be within your relationship, as well as what each of you need to move forward. I may notice some unhelpful patterns that are continuing to impact your relationship in a negative way. My role includes helping you become aware of these patterns arising as they happen, and finding new and healthier ways to navigate them.

CREATIVE THERAPY

For a lot of people, talking through their problems and feelings is really helpful and this is exactly what they want from counselling. Others may find it useful at times to be able to visualise how they feel in relation to their selves, their relationships and life experiences.

Sometimes it feels like there aren't the words to describe what we are experiencing. Working creatively (drawing, or using objects, for example), can allow us to see all those things we would normally only experience inside ourselves, which can provide both clarity and a deeper connection to our feelings.