Welcome to this site. I hope you'll find it useful in finding out a little more about me and how counselling may be of help to you. I offer counselling for both individuals and couples.
In all instances we can start with an initial forty minute session, for which there is no charge. It's not a counselling session as such, more a chance for us to get together and work through any general queries and how the process is likely to work, bit like a test drive. This can include times, dates, costs and any other concerns you might have. Its the only time you'll see me with my clipboard, just to take some contact details and a bit of background info. If you decide that counselling is not for you, that's ok as we can look at other alternatives that may be of benefit.
I practice using an integrated humanistic approach. This style is flexible, and I aim to work to the unique requirements and perspectives you will have. In my previous training and clinical experience I have used approaches such as Person Centered (Rogerian), Hypnotherapy, TA and CBT; and have found all these theories have something to offer when used in an appropriate and respectful manner.
There may be any number of reasons why you could be thinking about counselling. Some very generalised though common presenting problems can be ;
Bereavement
Loss
Divorce
Addiction
Relationship difficulties
Depression
Phobias
Anger ~ Stress ~ Anxiety
Difficulty moving on after a crisis
Trauma
Low self esteem or confidence
Workplace relationships or work related stress
..... so many ways in which unmet needs or unresolved issues may present themselves. The list could go on. Alternatively, you might not even be able to put words to how you're feeling right now. Possibly only vague feelings of dis-ease and the knowledge that things just aren't right.
In addition to my own practice, I have been involved with a number of voluntary counselling agencies and provided counselling in an addiction rehab setting. I've provided a stress management facility for NHS staff in Bristol, currently also working as counselling clinical lead for a major employee assistance program and occupational health provider and also contributed material for BBC radio.
As a member of BACP I am bound by it's Ethical Framework for Good Practice in Counselling and Psychotherapy and subject to the Professional Conduct Procedure for the time being in force.