Before we begin working together, we can have a free 20 minute telephone conversation so you can tell me all about what brings you to counselling. You can ask any questions you may have so that you feel comfortable and confident about moving forward and together, we can decide if we are a good therapeutic fit. If we are both happy, we can then arrange your first appointment.
My approach places you at the centre of our work together, as I believe you are the expert on yourself. We all view our world through our own unique lens, and I will endeavour to learn enough about you in order to better see through yours. My aim is to walk beside you throughout your counselling journey, not to take the lead. Together we can explore your world in a way that leads to fresh understanding and acceptance of yourself. Counselling isn’t about giving you advice. It's about providing you with the space to make your own decisions and to empower you to make your desired changes.
As an integrative counsellor, I draw upon a variety of approaches/theories to help you achieve your goals, such as:
Person-centred counselling emphasises the importance of your unique perspective and experiences. The focus is on you as a person, rather than on your problems or symptoms. I create a non-judgmental, empathetic, and supportive space for you to explore your thoughts and feelings freely, without fear of judgment or criticism. This approach aims to empower you by fostering self-awareness, self-acceptance, and self-actualisation. Person-centred counselling recognises that you are the expert on your own life and your own experiences, and I am here to help you find your own solutions and insights. This approach means that you are at the centre of the counselling process and an active participant in your own healing and growth.
Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) is a form of therapy that is widely used to treat a variety of mental health conditions you may be struggling with, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The focus of CBT is to identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviours that contribute to these conditions. By working with me, you can learn practical strategies to challenge and replace these negative thoughts with more positive ones. This, in turn, can lead to improvements in mood, behaviour, and overall well-being.
As a pluralistic counsellor, you can expect a collaborative and flexible approach to therapy. This means that your needs, goals, and preferences will be at the forefront of the counselling process, and the focus will be on finding the best therapeutic approach for you. Pluralistic counselling recognises that there are many different ways to address mental health issues, and what works for one person may not work for another. I will work with you to explore different techniques, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), mindfulness, or creative therapies, to find the ones that resonate with you and that can help you achieve your goals. This approach means that you will have more control over your therapy, and you will be an active participant in the process of healing and growth.
Psychodynamic therapy focuses on exploring the unconscious mind and the ways in which past experiences may be affecting your current thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. During our sessions, we will work together to explore how unconscious conflicts and feelings may be contributing to the challenges you are facing. This approach can help you gain insight into patterns of behaviour and thought that may be holding you back from reaching your full potential. By examining your past experiences and relationships, we can work towards creating a deeper understanding of yourself, and ultimately help you make positive changes in your life.
This approach is all about identifying your strengths and resources, and using them to help you overcome your challenges. Rather than focusing on the problems that bring you to therapy, we will focus on your goals and aspirations for the future. Together, we will work towards creating practical and achievable steps that can help you reach those goals. Solution-focused therapy is a short-term and goal-oriented approach that can help you make progress quickly. It is a positive and empowering way of approaching therapy, and it can help you build confidence in your ability to overcome challenges. I am here to support you on your journey towards a happier and more fulfilling life.
Telephone and online counselling offers convenient and accessible ways for you to seek help from the comfort of your own home. This is especially beneficial if you live in a remote area or you have limited mobility or social anxiety, as it eliminates the need for you to travel to a physical location. Secondly, telephone and online counselling can provide a greater sense of privacy and anonymity for you if you feel uncomfortable discussing personal issues face-to-face. Telephone counselling can also be beneficial during times of crisis or emergencies, as it provides you with an immediate connection to support services without the need for an appointment or wait time.
For more information about Counselling and Psychotherapy in Leeds and online, or for an informal chat about where you are right now and how counselling may help,
please get in touch.