Frequently Asked Questions

I trained in 'Integrative Counselling,' on a BACP accredited course and integrate a variety of 'person-centered, humanistic and existentialist' approaches to my work. 

I draw on aspects of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Transactional Analysis (TA), Relational Psychotherapy, Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP), Positive Psychology, Internal Family Systems (IFS) and aspects of coaching in my counselling practice. 

I use these approaches and others in my counselling work, depending on what you are seeking and what we have agreed to do, and integrate them into our work together. 

Central to my counselling work is the development of an authentic, honest, open, therapeutic relationship or 'therapeutic alliance' where we work towards meeting your aims, whether they are easily identified goals from the outset , or complex, difficult re-evaluations that evolve in the course of therapy. 

I integrate imagery, breathing and relaxation, psychotherapeutic theory, psycho-education, creative thinking and humour in my counselling work in order to work with you to find your best way of being yourself.

In counselling we can work to re-evaluate, re-assess and explore your experience into a better understanding of yourself. 

As a therapist and client we may choose to integrate a 'fragmented self' into a 'complete whole self' that you can accept and celebrate, this is the work of 'integrative counselling'.
 

We can create this therapeutic space online.

As a Counsellor I've worked with clients who have experienced;

• adverse childhood experiences
• addiction and recovery from addiction
• anger management issues
• anxiety
• autistic spectrum disorders
• coercive control
• chronic health conditions
• generalised health anxiety
• low mood
• low self esteem
• phobia
• trauma
• social anxiety
• sexual abuse

The 'labels' your experiences are given are not necessarily helpful, but can be a useful 'short hand' and enable you to define yourself and gain understanding. 

What can be  helpful, and may not be easy, is to reflect on your experience as a unique individual in a counselling environment that is confidential and non-judgemental.

You may need a space to be heard and really listened to and to vocalise your experience. Hearing yourself experience your experience can be done in safety, without criticism or judgement. This is the work of counselling.

Bespoke programmes can be discussed in principle although my Equine Assisted practice is currently dormant. 

My historical model was to work with people in the room (or online) for a number of counselling sessions and then to take this work, and our therapeutic alliance, out to the arena with the horses and to reflect on this experience in later sessions. 

As two therapists, (both BACP registered and insured), are required for the Equine work I would negotiate an additional cost, or work this into our counselling agreement and planned work.    

I work to ensure your Equine experience is integrated into your Counselling experience, and do not generally offer 'experience' days outside a counselling agreement. 

The 'experience' work can be very affecting for people and my decision was to bring it into a wider therapeutic agreement.  

'Walk and Talk'

As I trained with EAGALA https://www.eagala.org to be a qualified Equine Assisted Therapy facilitator, I am used to providing therapy outside.

I have recently been drawn to take my counselling practice outside and have undertaken training to inform this. 

I am insured to work outside, have undertaken Health and Safety and First Aid training and use the natural environment in my walk and talk practice. 

I have been particularly inspired by the work of Dr Peter Levine, Bessel van der Kolk and Stephen Porges in this and wider aspects of my practice.

'Walk and Talk' sessions are bespoke and can be provided as part of a programme of counselling where we take the therapeutic experience beyond the 'counselling room.' 

References: 

https://www.somaticexperiencing.com

https://www.besselvanderkolk.com

https://www.stephenporges.com  

I am not qualified to work with Children or Young People below 18. In the South West I recommend https://westcountrypractice.com based in Shaftesbury, Dorset SP7 8PL. Alternatively contact your local Children and Young People's Mental Health Service, CYPMHS; in Kent their primary phone number is 03003001990  

If you are seeking counselling for children or young people please ensure you look for a specialist, professional service.

I have not undertaken further training in working with couples or families but may do so in the future. 

While I do a lot of work with people who are looking at their relationships, my training and focus can only be with the individual with whom I am working. 

If you are seeking couples therapy or family therapy in North Devon you are recommended to look for a specialist, professional service, I do recommend Charlie Dixon https://charliedixoncounselling.co.uk based in North Devon. 

As recently relocated to Kent I am currently researching local provision.