Ï`0)9 Uncategorized | London Counsellor

The person centred approach has had the greatest influence over my work. Though having trained under the integrative umbrella I do aknowledge other theoretical philosophies.

Carl Rogers was the founder of the person centred approach and believed that people will, if given the right conditions and opportunities, move toward autonomy and self direction. He concentrated on the individuals perception of self as well as the ways in which they are influenced by others.

One example of this would be the child that looks towards its parents for validation and approval. The childs self concept is developed depending on the reflections and attitudes being expressed by its parents. If positive and with love, the child will feel good but if negative and without love, the child may develop a negative self concept.

The negative self concept can lead many adults to encounter difficulties in life and in need of seeking help. Rogers believed that the client knows best and under the right conditions will become self determining. In my work, I aim  to help you to move towards your own inner resources, so that you become more trusting of your truth, emcompass greater self awareness and ultimately are self accepting. The way that I do this is by exploring your life story with you, paying attention to the difficulties that have bought you into counselling, showing unconditional positive regard, empathy and congruence.

Other influences in my work are John Bowlby and attachment therory. Dream work from a transpersonal perspective. Existentialism and Gestalt therapy. I have also recently trained in hypnotherapy, which I believe is a powerful tool when used in conjunction with counselling.

When you enter into a counselling relationship  it can feel daunting and as such it is important to take time to ensure that you have found the right counsellor to work with. It is a relationship that is bound by a professional and ethical framework that holds client confidentiality at its core. It is this frame that allows trust to develop and the work to begin.

You can come to counseling expecting me to have all of the answers to your difficulties. My belief is that you have the answers to the difficulties in your life. My role is to walk alongside you in order to gain access to your world as openly, honestly and authentically as possible. By engaging in this unique relationship you can begin working towards change and acceptance.

In my work I listen and provide a space in which to reflect. I provide consistency during the sessions, in time and venue and a continuity in my approach. I am non-judgemental, empathic and congruent. My aim is to build a trusting relationship with you, which will empower you to face difficulties in your life, which in turn will help you live as true to your authentic self as possible. I will challenge misconceptions and ways of behaving non-defensively in order to assist greater insight.

I offer one on one counselling in a comfortable space in Highbury and Islington, close to local transport links. The work can be short term and goal focused or open ended.

The initial session provides an opportunity for an open discussion about the things in your life that you would like to work on in counselling, as well as a chance to find out how I work. It allows us to meet and decide if we can work together. The duration of counselling can be discussed during our initial session and reviewed regularly.

Should I not be able to help you I will assist you in finding ways to find a therapist who can.

Each session lasts for 50 minutes and is on the same day and time each week. I  have day and evening availability. The sessions are a time in which to focus on you and the difficulties that you may be experiencing.

What is said during the sessions is completely confidential apart from the following situations:

1. Only in exceptional circumstances may I feel it necessary to break confidentiality. This could happen if you or another person were in serious or immediate danger. I would where possible discuss any steps with you beforehand. I would be concerned to limit the breach of confidentiality to a minimum and to ensure that you retained as much autonomy as possible.

2. My own supervision, where I discuss my work. I do not use full names or give unnecessary personal details. My supervision is bound by an agreement of confidentiality with my supervisor.

3. As part of my ongoing professional development I am periodically required to review my work. This may involve me writing about my work with clients. Where this is the case I ensure that all personal details are changed to protect confidentiality.

Fees and Cancellations.

The fee per session is £50. I do operate a sliding scale to a limited number of clients, this is offered to students and people on lower income. Fees increase annually. If you are unable to attend a session and give 48 hours notice, I will try to find an alternative session time. If we are unable to do so, the session will need to be paid for in total. Less than 48 hours notice or missed sessions will be charged in full. On the rare occasion that I should have to cancel a session I will give as much notice as possible as well as finding an alternative time.