How I Work as a Counselling Psychologist
As a chartered counselling psychologist, I have received a five year post-graduate integrative training which has involved learning about many different schools of counselling and psychotherapy (including existential therapy, psychoanalytic approaches, cognitive behavioural therapy [CBT] and humanistic models).
I work primarily in a phenomenological way, which means that I focus in detail on your words and concerns – so that together we can better understand and reflect on your concerns.
I avoid the use of jargon. Although as a psychologist I am aware of different methods of diagnosis, I do not impose psychological theories on you or offer a ‘diagnosis’ in a medical sense – because I do not believe the human condition can be ‘fixed’ or ‘cured’ in the ways that we might sometimes wish. My aim is to help you to find new ways of being and responding, so that you can begin to address your difficulties for yourself.
I am able offer help with a variety of concerns, including:
- Anxiety
- A sense of feeling lost, empty or isolated
- Bereavement
- Career dilemmas and stresses
- Depression
- Low self confidence
- Men’s issues (e.g. worries about use of pornography, or about becoming a father)
- Relationship difficulties (whether with partner, friends, colleagues or family members)
- Stress and burnout
- The impact of caring for a family member with mental or physical health issues
- Worries about your identity (e.g. dilemmas relating to sexuality).
As a chartered counselling psychologist I can provide you with a safe and creative space in which to see your difficulties differently, think deeply about what you are hoping for from your life and make more thoughtful choices about your future.
In time, I hope to be able to help you to become your own therapist, so that you are able to work more resourcefully with the difficulties that you encounter in life.
Whatever you tell me will be treated confidentially. On occasions I may need to discuss my clinical work in the context of professional supervision, whilst always maintaining your anonymity. The only situation where confidentiality may occasionally have to be broken is where a client poses a serious risk to self or others. I abide by the British Psychological Society code of ethics.
