Counselling is a process of self exploration while being supported by a trained therapist, focusing on issues in life which are causing distress. Stressful events in the past or in the present can leave people feeling angry, anxious or distressed. Counsellors help the client to explore how they feel about a situation and give support in resolving the feelings which may arise. The client may then choose to make changes in their life through action. Help will be given in exploring different ways of dealing with a situation, but the choice of whether clients do anything about it is theirs.
Sessions last about an hour and take place in complete privacy. There is an initial discussion to ascertain whether counsellor and client feel they can work together and to plan the number and frequency of sessions.
I offer daytime and evening counselling sessions for adults and young people.
I describe my approach as two-person centred because I work together with my clients in a non-directive and equal way and remain mindful that as individuals we are the real expert on our self.
I work with a range of issues including anxiety, depression, stress, bereavement, trauma, loss, life-change, relationships, addictive and self-injuring behaviours.
As a BACP qualified integrative practitioner I work in a person-centred way yet draw upon a range of recognised therapeutic approaches in my short and long term counselling work – including gestalt, transactional analysis, cognitive behavioural therapy and existential. Perhaps as importantly, I work creatively, flexibly and intuitively in response to client’s unique needs at different times and points in the counselling process.
Many clients like to settle into the counselling work before deciding on the duration of therapy.
Email – alignoffice@aol.com
How do you know when you need help?
Some individuals may be experiencing coping in their day-to-day life difficult. At these times the assistance of a qualified Counsellor/Therapist can be exceptionally helpful. Talking about your problems without being judged for them or given advice.
People often report:
Is an organisation comprising of trained, experienced professional counsellors all of whom abide by a professional code of ethics (B.A.C.P.)
The aim:
Is to provide a comfortable, safe and confidential opportunity for YOU to talk about how you are feeling, hopefully to resolve problems, which have stopped you from living in a satisfying way.
The counselling process is different for each individual person – but we try to keep it simple.
This is what you can expect to achieve from the counselling:
Adpated from leaflet by Breakaway South West
Counselling Agency
As a professional Integrative Counsellor I am passionate about my counselling practice and believe change is possible. I offer warm, confidential work with individuals and couples in Tavistock & Plymouth. This may be short or long-term depending on your needs. Please visit my website www.wecounsel.co.uk for more information. I am a mother of three young adults. I formerly worked in financial institutions, later teaching sport alongside my work in NHS Dental and Medical practices.
As an Integrative Humanistic Counsellor I have studied many ways of dealing with issues that arise, including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, and adapt the way I work to your individual and personal needs. I believe our relationship is the most important element in the counselling space. My approach is to be guided by you keeping language jargon-free, welcoming, loving and sincere so that the experience feels comfortable and right for you.
I believe counselling can help you lead a happier life by a gentle journey of self-discovery to maximise your potential. I want you to feel free to speak openly, honestly and with confidence. I want to engage with you and for you to feel valued and understood for who you are.
My experience has been in areas of low self esteem, stress, anxiety, panic attacks, issued of identity and sexuality, postnatal depression, addiction, relationship issues, couples counselling and life crises.
A recent quite from a BACP magazine Therapy Today confirms the need for the service I provide: “In terms of approved reasons for seeking counselling there has been a significant shift. 94% now consider it acceptable to consider counselling and psychotherapy for anxiety and depression compared with 67% in 2004. Similarly acceptability of seeking such help for divorce or relationship breakdown has increased from 52 to 85%”.
*I am a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and work in a safe and confidential environment keeping at all times to their Code of Ethics and also belong to their branch of Independent Practitioners.