Counselling and Psychotherapy
I’m a trauma informed clinician, providing counselling and psychotherapy based on a person-centred, client lead model. Client lead means you set the pace, you decide what and how much you bring to therapy, and when. I want you to feel comfortable to openly explore your thoughts and feelings when and if you’re ready.
I believe you are the expert in your life and that you have the innate abilities and skills for growth. Together we can explore and process what is happening for you. and with insight we can look at life enhancing solutions to old and new problems.
What is therapy?
Therapy is the process of meeting with a counsellor for the purpose of exploring ways of coping that enhance your wellbeing, help you process emotions effectively and build emotional resilience. The therapeutic relationship can help you gain insight and self-understanding, provide assistance with emotional regulation and support you to make changes.
The difference between counselling and psychotherapy.
Counselling and psychotherapy overlap considerably and are often used as interchangeable terms.
Counselling.
The focus of counselling is more likely to be on specific issues and a shorter term therapy. It may focus on changes in your life, for example the loss of a loved one, loss of a relationship, being bullied at work or the loss of a job, and the resulting grief, anxiety and depression you may be experiencing. It is about coping in the here and now, and returning to your usual state of wellbeing.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy supports you to look at core issues and recurring problems. This means going to a deeper level and exploring what is behind the problems and how this impacts your way of being in the world.
Trauma is defined as an inescapably stressful event that overwhelms a person’s existing coping mechanisms. This encompasses a large range of human experiences both as children and as adults. We know that trauma changes how the brain responds to stressful circumstances, and that trauma is stored in the body, often resulting in pain and health issues. A trauma informed approach honours the coping strategies you have used in your life, they have helped you to survive, while recognising they have often outlived their usefulness and now get in the way of leading a fulfilling life.
Choice and Control.
Don’t feel you need to make a choice between counselling and psychotherapy when making an appointment.
Sessions are client lead, in the first session I will ask you what you are hoping to get out of therapy, however I don’t focus on ‘therapy goals’, because goals can evolve and change. As you become more comfortable with me you might wish to talk about issues you weren’t sure you wanted to bring to therapy, and that’s often what happens. When people feel supported and completely accepted it becomes easier to talk and explore deeper issues.