Counselling/psychotherapy

What is Counselling and how can it help me?

Most of us have ideas about what counselling involves, but when we actually start to take part in it, there can be surprises in store. This is often because of the many different theories and methods used in counselling today.

Many people feel apprehensive about seeing a counselor, and worry about what will take place. This is very common, and there is no right thing for you to say or do. Coming for counselling is a big step in coping with your problems.

During your first session you will have the chance to talk about why you have come and about your anxieties, thoughts and feelings. Together we can decide on the best way of helping you overcome your difficulties. You will also have the opportunity to ask any questions which you may have.

My approach to counselling

I have been in practice for over 20 years and use a practical action oriented approach to coping with and overcoming problems and enhancing personal growth. Although people may be strongly influenced by events in their early lives, I do not spend a long time rehashing the past. My focus is mainly on the present. Research has demonstrated that our emotional problems are determined not by events, but largely by the self-defeating beliefs we have about these events. For example, if you get anxious about speaking in public, your anxiety may stem from a belief such as, 'I must give a good speech and I am worthless if I don't'

Counselling works by teaching you to recognize and change those beliefs that result in emotional problems such as anxiety, guilt, anger and depression. This cognitive behavioural approach to counselling will enable you to make greater use of your potential and help you to achieve your long term goals.

What happens in counselling?

Together we will set specific attainable goals, while you unlearn old ways of thinking and behaving that block you in the hear and now, you can also acquire new skills in problem solving, in relating to others, and attain a greater range of emotional experience. All matters are strictly confidential, no pressure is put on your to divulge private material.

I want to stress that this approach to counselling emphasizes your power to choose and to implement satisfying alternatives to current difficulties.

Life Coaching

What prevents you from being more personally effective in your life?

The way we think profoundly influences the way we feel. Therefore it can be said that learning to think differently can enable us to feel and act differently. Life coaching can help you to unblock your old self defeating style of thinking and doing and replace it with a new problem-solving outlook. I can offer a life coaching programme tailored specifically for you. Coaching can help you to:

•  Deal with troublesome emotions
•  Overcome Procrastination
•  Become assertive
•  Tackle poor time management
•  Help you to persist at problem solving
•  Handle criticism constructively
•  Take risks and make better decisions, and much more.