I am a Person-centred counsellor. This approach takes the view that the person, or client, has within them the resources for growth, and that given the right conditions the person will grow in a positive direction.  The approach was originally developed by Carl Rogers, the American psychologist and therapist in the 1930’ and 1940’s; he continued to research and refine his theory and practice throughout his lifetime.  His work has been continued to date by prominent academics such as Dave Mearns and Brian Thorne.

 

In line with the person-centred approach, I believe that when things go wrong in our lives, as children or adults, we develop feelings, thoughts and/or ways of behaving in order to help us cope.   We may not be aware that we are doing this and some of our coping strategies may be less than ideal or work less well after a while: depression, anxiety, easily losing our temper, or distancing ourselves from others/fear of commitment are examples of these. Other signs that things have gone astray are difficulty sleeping or concentrating, eating difficulties and reliance on alcohol or drugs.

 

These coping strategies may make us feel that we are ‘not our self’ and get in the way of living a fulfilling life.  Sometimes we need help to sort out who we are, what we are doing, perhaps why we are doing it and to find ways of getting our life back in balance.  Some people may have being living with difficulties for years without realising it, or that help is available; if they were told as children they were ‘useless’ they may put their difficulties down to the belief that they ‘are’ useless’.

 

I do not believe that anyone is useless!  I believe, as Rogers did, that each of us knows best what is hurting us and can be trusted to find our own way forward if we are able to experience an environment that doesn’t require us to ‘cope’, where we can ‘be our self’.  The counselling relationship can be that place.

 

Current research indicates, and I am convinced that the crucial element in counselling is the relationship; if you and I both feel we can relate to each other then change will occur.  I offer you a warm, understanding, non-judgemental and confidential space in which together we can explore your life, feelings, thoughts and the issues you bring.

 

In addition to my counselling training I use the knowledge and understanding of the human mind, gained from my psychology degree, to guide my work.