How I Practice
I believe that the counselling experience should be a holistic one: looking at the person as a whole. The physical, psychological and spiritual aspect of each of us all help to create the person we are.This belief was enhanced by my training, at Southampton University, using an integrative model. Both the Diploma and Degree used Petruska Clarkson's relationship model as it's core text whilst exploring other models such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Psychodynamic, Person Centred. This enables me to use different aspects of different models, but my approach is basically humanistic in style.
I believe that everyone has within themselves the ability to change, if this is their real desire, and I feel my role is to help the client to grow an awareness of how this can be achieved. Therefore, essentially I work with what the client brings to each session, using my listening and communication skills to explore more deeply the issues.
In the last few years I have also studied Stanley Keleman's work on Formative Psychology, using simple exercises to reorganise our repsonses to any given situation. This helps to build a relationship with ourselves, enabling us to influence our own patterns of behaviour. I feel this enhances the holistic experience further.
I have worked with adults who have degenerating, neurological conditions; carers and young adults, as well as the variety of issues clients have brought to my private practice.
The counselling experience is individual to each person, as everyone is different, but essentially it is being being able to talk through any issues, in a safe, confidential environment, with someone who is committed to listening.
