What Is Counselling?

“Many people go through crises in their lives without really having somebody to talk to. Or they do have somebody, but do not want to discuss particular issues. Many people accumulate distress inside (which sometimes attracts them to ways of ‘numbing out’ – alcohol, television and other blessings of modern life). We all have some experience of what a difference a good chat and a sympathetic listening ear can make. Now multiply that by ten, and you have good therapy.” – Michael Soth

My approach is relational depth oriented psychotherapy, particularly influenced by the view that it is the relationship itself, between therapist and client, that soothes. Some of the most profound and beautiful moments in my life have been shared in therapeutic work.

Mostly, counselling is about learning to be with our humanity and we learn that by being in the presence of another who accepts us wholly as we are. That is the real art of counselling that change is born from. It is not a fight for change. Paradoxically, it is our vulnerability that makes us powerful.

We may work through layers of insecurity, inadequacy, depression, anger, rage and hate, as well as contacting more sublime feelings of love and intimacy, exploring patterns within your psyche and the many aspects to your identity, revealing your deeper self. We will explore and discover together the path of healing that is right for you, so that you can move on, into the life that you choose.

Although steeped in the approach of relational depth oriented psychotherapy, over the years I have become increasingly attuned to the poignant contributions of positive psychology into the field of human development and the importance of aligning cognitive, emotional and physiological processes with what individuals personally deem as meaningful, purposeful, uplifting or enlivening to them.

To this end I work from a model of thought=emotion=neurobiology, therefore gaining deliberate control over our thoughts and learning to direct thoughts in more life giving and life supporting ways remains a primary focus of the work.