Counselling is when a trained therapist and a client meet in a private and confidential setting to discuss and explore personal issues that the client presents, perhaps of emotional distress or relating to difficulties in their personal life.
The counsellor provides a safe and secure environment for the client and offers a non-judgemental, caring and listening space for the client to talk about their issues. The relationship between the client and the counsellor is key and is based on building real trust, respect and acceptance so the client can feel more comfortable expressing their emotions, whilst always remaining independent and free to make their own decisions.
Often, in these circumstances, the client can make sense of their experience and come to understand it better. Ultimately, the therapeutic relationship can lead to the client making changes in their personal life which feel positive and empowering.
What does “Person-Centred” mean?
There are many different types of Counselling and Psychotherapy. They are different from one another because of their theoretical beliefs in how humans behave and develop, and also in how best to work with the client. Some are very similar to one another and some are very different.
I am trained to offer Person-Centred Counselling. This is a form of counselling that was developed in the mid 1900’s by a Psychologist called Carl Rogers. Rogers asserted that the individual (or the client) is the expert and knows what is best for themselves and that they have the power and inner resources to manifest change. He explained that humans are hard-wired to relate to others, and therefore the quality of the relationship between client and therapist is the most important factor to assist in the clients growth and development.
What does qualified mean?
When I say I am a qualified counsellor, it means that I have attained a certificate in Counselling from an accredited training institution. I attended the University of Cumbria in Lancaster, UK and received a Higher Education Diploma in Counselling in 2008. I am also a member of a professional body called the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) who sets strict standards of conduct to protect clients and ensure that counsellors work professionally and properly. My membership is also dependent upon me receiving monthly professional, clinical supervision, a commitment to 30 plus hours of annual continuing professional development and holding personal indemnity insurance.
The BACP has a code of ethics which I must follow in order to maintain my membership. It is available to read on their website: http://www.bacp.co.uk/ethical_framework/
How do I make an appointment?
Go to the contact page on this website and either phone, email or text me and I will get back in touch and begin the process of arranging a session. My fees are £50 per hour, and £45 per hour for trainee Counsellors. I am willing to offer concessionary rates at my own discretion and dependent on demand.
Sessions take place at The Storey Institute in Lancaster, but I also offer counselling in your home, by telephone, and via secure media platforms such as Zoom and Teams, as long it is therapeutically appropriate.