Counselling is form of mental health support. A trained therapist and a client meet in a private and confidential setting to discuss and explore personal issues that are of perhaps emotional significance 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 trust, respect and acceptance so the client can feel more comfortable.
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?
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 believed that 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 one another, and it is quality of the relationship between the client and therapist which is most important.
When I say I am a qualified counsellor, it means that I have a certificate in Counselling from an accredited training institution. I attended the University of Cumbria in Lancaster, UK in 2008 and hold a Higher Education Diploma in Counselling. I am a member of the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy). They sets standards of conduct to ensure that counsellors work professionally and properly. My membership is also dependent upon me receiving monthly clinical supervision, updating my 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 £45 to £60 per 50 minute session depending on ability to pay.
I offer a concessionary rate of £50 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 Meets, Zoom and Teams, as long it is therapeutically appropriate.