My approach
Maybe you’ve had counselling in the past, or maybe you’ve never experienced therapy before… Either way, here is some information about how I work and what you can expect from me.
If you think we might be a good fit and you would like to discuss working with me, please get in touch. We can have a 30-minute introductory call (no cost) to say hello, briefly talk about your reasons for seeking therapy, discuss how I work and explore any questions you might have.
My approach is person-centred.
This means that our sessions are about you! This may sound obvious, but many other therapeutic approaches are more directive and have a certain way of ‘doing’ therapy, with the therapist as the guide. The person-centred approach differs to this. I believe you are the expert on you, even if you don’t realise it just yet, and my counselling approach will follow you. There is no rigid way of working, and the process focuses on you as an individual and your unique experiences. We will always work at your pace and to your agenda.
The counselling space is yours.
All too often people try to impose their own views on others, and direct them, without realising this isn’t actually helpful and steers the person away from being their true self! Whilst at times I may highlight things that seem important to explore further, there is never any pressure nor expectation from me to move in a certain direction in our sessions. We will be guided by you!
I will be wholly present and listen intently to you – to your words and to what is unspoken. I will try my best to truly hear you and gain an understanding of how you’re feeling, and help you unravel your experiences.
I pride myself in being an active participant in sessions.
Effective counselling relies on the relationship between us and to help you get the most out of our sessions, I need to actively engage with your world. So, I won’t always be quietly listening to you. I will also offer reflections, observations and ask questions in a supportive way. In all of this, my intention is only ever to help you – to support you in gaining deeper clarity of yourself and your experiences, so you can find a way forward. I will count on you to let me know what is and isn’t helpful.
I see everyone as an individual.
I endeavour to always be open-minded, kind, warm, trustworthy and respectful of you as the unique person you are. I try my best to refrain from assuming and generalising, and invite YOU to tell me who you are. There is no way you ‘should’ be in counselling, except your true self! You are welcome to show up to our sessions however you are, and be accepted and not judged by me.
I work from the heart and care deeply about my work (and my clients!).
It matters to me that what I’m doing is actually helpful for you. I want to provide a counselling space where you feel understood, heard, safe and accepted. You can rely on me to be genuine and authentic in our sessions, and draw on my own life experiences where relevant, whilst keeping the focus on you and your needs.
My knowledge and experience from being a doctor can help me help you.
My medical background gives me broad and in-depth knowledge of mental health and physical health, and therefore unique experience as a counsellor. This can be very helpful in counselling, however please note that I am firmly here in my capacity as a counsellor, not as a doctor, and this is a boundary I will protect throughout our time working together. I am happy to work alongside your GP/other health professionals as needed.
