“A painter should begin every canvas with a wash of black, because all things in nature are dark except where exposed by the light.”
– Leonardo da Vinci
Why counselling?
Research has demonstrated the therapeutic benefits of talking without fear of judgment or criticism, what Carl Rogers described as ‘unconditional positive regard’. When the counsellor’s door closes, a safe space is created that allows the stories, tears, sadness and anxiety to be gently brought into the light and to explore the client’s capacity to think a little differently about themselves and others.
What to expect
We will begin with a brief, initial telephone consultation to make sure I understand your needs and we will set up payment and confidentiality contracts. I’ll send a reminder 24 hours before we meet. Our conversations are client-focused and I am open to feedback at any time. My approach will be tailored to your needs and may include follow-up resources and optional ‘homework’. We will discuss the frequency and number of sessions together.
What I can help with
Relationship tune ups,
communication
We are hard-wired for intimate relationships. Often poor communication contributes to stress and conflict. I work with clients to build relational safety, connection and trust.
Trauma
Traumatic events can have immediate as well as long term emotional effects. I use a trauma informed approach to create a safe space to process trauma and loss, to heal, and to move forward.
Work-related
stress
Are the relationships at work harder than the work itself? I use a systems approach to work with clients who need to have difficult conversations, manage their professional boundaries and who expect a respectful and safe workplace.
Parenting
What happens when plans A, B and C don’t work? Or when my partner doesn’t parent the same way as me? I work closely with parents to help them develop confidence and recovery strategies in the lifelong work of parenting.
Change, grief and loss
Change or transition can result in grief and pain - from losing a loved one, to ageing, to retrenchment. I work with people to manage the shock, demands, pressures, disappointment and sadness to process their experience of loss.
Anxiety
A little anxiety is motivational and good for us, however too much stops us from living well. I use a range of practical and effective tools to reframe, to problem solve to reduce the impact of anxiety.
Managing
Ministry stress
Ministry comes with a unique brand of stress. I have extensive experience supporting families in ministry to navigate complex relationships and avoid burnout.
Depression
Depression doesn’t discriminate. It can be invisible to everyone else or it can leave a person completely unable to function. I work with clients to rediscover hope and manageable ways to move forwards.
“We can’t solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used to create them.”
— Albert Einstein
Counselling Toolkit
These are some of the therapies, methods and networks in my toolkit.
Bowen Family
Systems Theory
Bowen Family Systems Theory is a theory of human behaviour that views the family as an emotional unit and uses systems thinking to describe the complex interactions in the unit.
Trauma Informed Care
Trauma-informed care is defined as practices that promote a culture of safety, empowerment, and healing.
Acceptance Commitment Therapy
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) gets its name from one of its core messages: accept what is out of your personal control, and commit to action that improves and enriches your life.
Solutions-Focused Therapy
Solution-focused therapy is more interested in the solution than the problem and identifying and strengthening the client’s existing skills for life.
Gottman Relationship Therapy
John Gottman famously identified the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse: defensiveness, stonewalling, criticism and contempt as relationship deal-breakers. Happily, he also developed a range of practical and thoroughly-researched antidotes.
ASPIA
Understanding the experience of the Asperger marriage/life partnership experience.