My approach

My approach involves counselling, psychotherapy, strategies from cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and mindfulness.

Counselling

Counselling provides the client with space, confidentiality and an experienced, understanding, non-judgmental person with which to share/discuss present difficulties/issues. If the client wishes I give feedback and suggestions from my perspective and on what I think may be of help.

CBT

Cognitive-behavioural therapy is one of the most well-known psychotherapies, and with good reason. Especially in the areas of depression and anxiety related conditions, it has shown to be as effective as medication in relieving symptoms. CBT has three main goals:

• To relieve symptoms and resolve problems
• To help people to acquire coping strategies
• To help modify unhelpful thinking patterns in order to prevent relapse

The primary concern is always to help you solve the problems which you have targeted for change. Often it is sufficient to combine CBT and traditional counselling to bring about positive change. Positive change can be more profound and lasting by combining CBT with mindfulness meditation practices.

Mindfulness

Mindfulness meditation practices help us become more aware of the present moment, and of subtle changes in our bodies and minds. Through enhanced awareness we can gain clarity and insight into what's upsetting us. This enables us to respond in a calm, clear headed way to regain balance and perspective. We learn a basic understanding of what causes and maintains our low moods, depressions, stresses, anxieties and how to spot the warning signals and what to do to look after ourselves before distress take's hold. Mindfulness practices can be learned in the counselling/therapy sessions and with recommended reading or by joining one of the  on going courses. Read more in the link MBCT course above. 

Consultation and therapy sessions

Consultations and therapy sessions last 50 minutes. In the initial consultation we have the opportunity to talk about your problem and discuss ways in which we can work together to help alleviate it. The therapy sessions will be tailored to achieve this outcome and to help you maintain good psychological health

Cancellations and missed sessions

If I have to cancel a session I will give you as much notice as possible. Please give me as much notice as possible if you need to rearrange or cancel a session; cancelling with less than 24 hours notice will result in a charge of half the fee. Missing a session without any prior notice or contact will be charged at the regular rate. Mitigating circumstances will always be considered.

EAP and insurance funded therapy sessions that are cancelled with less than 24 hour notice are regarded as a DNA (did not attend) sessions and are counted off the allotted number of sessions authorised by the organization funding the sessions.

Supervision for therapists and students of mindfulness or hypnotherapy/psychotherapy courses

I'm no longer supervising Exeter University MBCT diploma course students and National College of Hypnosis and Psychotherapy diploma students. I am able to offer supervision to newly qualified therapists working in similar modalities of psychotherapy, however my supervision will not be accepted by the UKCP as I am no longer registered with the UKCP.

Counselling and psychotherapy for student counsellors and psychotherapists

I offer counselling and psychotherapy for students on recognised counselling and psychotherapy courses at a reduced rate. Please note as an ex UKCP registered psychotherapist the counselling and psychotherapy I provide will not be recognised by the UKCP.