Counselling Approach

 

I work within the Humanistic framework and the core of my approach is Person Centred. This means that I will listen to you in an active, empathic, non-judgemental and congruent way so that we can develop a therapeutic alliance to address and resolve any difficulties you may be experiencing.  My training at the University of East London included CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy), Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy and the Integrative Process Model (which referenced a Solution Focussed approach), and, working collaboratively,  I may refer to these modalities and integrate aspects of them.  

 

During the several years that I have worked with both adults at East London Mental Health Services (formerly MIND) and with young people in schools and colleges, it has become clear to me that one size does not fit all, and because of this it is useful to draw on other methods: for instance, if it seems helpful, CBT techniques may be integrated which could include observing and noting triggers,  physical and thought responses, the reality of a particular situation and the evidence for it.   MBCT (Mindfulness based Cognitive Therapy) has been very useful for addressing and reducing anxiety and MBCT based relaxation exercises for focussing and grounding clients within session. In accordance with my Humanistic approach, these interventions are offered in a non-directive way.

 

Whilst I am not a psychodynamic counsellor I am cognisant of early life experiences, family dynamics and parental relationships and recognise that these may be integral to your narrative. Nevertheless, the Humanistic, Person-Centred theory that the client is the best expert of themselves and that with empathy and the therapeutic alliance this expertise can be revealed and applied, remains the basis of my integrative approach .

 

I receive clinical supervision for all my counselling work which is implemented with reference to, and in accordance with, the BACP Ethical Framework.