We are all a work in progress….
You don’t have to have a mental health problem to benefit from counselling. If you feel you are stuck in a rut and don’t know how to begin changing your life, if you have a dilemma or feel you are at a crossroads and struggling to decide what next. It can be hard to talk to friends and family about these things, everyone tends to have an opinion or their own agenda. Perhaps what you need is a space where you can come and have a sounding board to explore your options and come to the right decision for you.
These days we all tend to give much attention to our physical health: we make better lifestyle choices, take supplements, get exercise – all designed to prevent medical problems occurring later and help us lead a fuller and more enjoyable life.
But maybe we neglect our emotional and mental health. The link between psychological stresses and physical health problems has been well established – counselling can be a valuable part of improving our whole well-being, not just something to resort to in a crisis.
You might be struggling with difficult relationships or work stress, you might have anxiety or depression, you might be going through life changes such as bereavement or retirement. Or perhaps you feel that events from your past are holding you back. Whatever you are going through you will want a safe, warm space to express your feelings with someone who understands. Then you can explore how to make positive changes or adjust to life circumstances and move forward. The link between psychological stress and physical poor health is clear, so making our emotional well-being a priority has far-reaching benefits in preventing longer-term ill health.
Counselling can help with a wide range of life’s challenges, including:
- Relationships
- Bereavement
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Life changes:
- Dilemmas and difficult decisions
- Work stress
- Family issues
- Low self-esteem
- Issues from childhood
- Exploring identity
It has been well documented that about 90% of a successful experience with counselling is in the relationship you have with your counsellor. If you are a good match you’ll almost certainly get a good outcome.
I have been a good match with clients over the years regardless of our ages, gender, background, etc. It’s more about developing a chemistry, which is why I always suggest an informal phone call first so we can introduce ourselves before we actually meet.
My style is friendly, relaxed and informal and if you are coming in person I will always have the kettle on! I won’t simply ‘create the space’ and then leave you to get on with it. I will be proactive, we will bounce ideas off each other, and I will ask you interesting questions. And occasionally I may even give you homework!
My counselling space is warm, cosy and homely – never clinical. This will be your view…
…and this will be your sofa!
