Counselling
Counselling
Integrative Counselling in Sunbury on Thames and Online
Starting therapy can feel like a big step, and it's important that you feel comfortable with your counsellor. That's why I offer a 15-minute initial consultation, free of charge. This brief session gives us both a chance to get to know each other a little and see if we're a good fit.
It's an opportunity for you to get a sense of who I am and how I work, and for me to understand a bit about where you're at in your journey. There's no obligation to continue after this consultation - it's all about finding the right fit for you.
My Approach
I practice Integrative Counselling, which just means I draw on a range of therapeutic modalities to tailor my approach to your individual needs. No two people are the same, so no two counselling journeys should be identical.
At the heart of my practice is a relational approach. This means I believe that the relationship between counsellor and client is a powerful tool for healing and growth. I create a safe, non-judgmental space where you can explore your thoughts and feelings freely.
How I Work
Online Counselling
Online sessions offer flexibility and convenience, making therapy more accessible than ever before. They can be particularly helpful if you have a busy schedule, prefer to engage in therapy from the comfort of your own space, or live far from my Sunbury-on-Thames location. This option allows us to connect and work together regardless of physical distance or time constraints, ensuring that you can receive support when and where you need it most.
In-Person Counselling
Face-to-face sessions take place at my practice in Sunbury-on-Thames. Some people find that meeting in person helps them feel more connected and present during our conversations.
Whichever mode you choose, I ensure that our sessions provide a confidential, supportive environment for our work together.
The Benefits of My Relational Approach
My practice is grounded in Petruska Clarkson's 5 relational models, which recognize that the therapeutic relationship can take different forms, each offering unique benefits:
- The Working Alliance: We collaborate as partners in your therapeutic journey.
- The Transferential/Countertransferential Relationship: We explore how past relationships might influence your current experiences.
- The Reparative/Developmentally Needed Relationship: I provide a supportive presence to help heal past relational wounds.
- The Person-to-Person Relationship: We connect authentically as two human beings.
- The Transpersonal Relationship: We remain open to moments of profound connection and insight.
This relational framework allows for a deep, multifaceted therapeutic experience. It helps us to:
- Build trust and safety in our sessions
- Explore your patterns of relating to others
- Provide opportunities for healing and growth
- Foster self-understanding and self-acceptance
Remember, counselling is a collaborative process. I'm here to walk alongside you, offering support, insights, and tools as we work together towards your goals.
Book Your Free Consultation Today
Whether you are ready to get started, or if you have more questions about my practice or working together, please get in touch.
FAQs
If you're struggling with emotions, relationships, or life changes, or if you simply feel that something's not quite right, counselling could be beneficial. It's not just for crisis situations - many people find therapy helpful for personal growth, self-understanding, and improving their overall well-being. If you're curious about counselling, that's often a sign that it might be worth exploring.
Our first session is about getting to know each other. I'll ask about what brings you to counselling and what you hope to achieve. You'll have the opportunity to ask questions and get a feel for how I work. It's a collaborative process - we'll discuss how we might work together and start to develop a plan for our sessions. Remember, you're in control, and there's no obligation to continue if you don't feel it's the right fit.
The duration of counselling varies for each individual. Some people find that a few sessions are enough to work through a specific issue, while others benefit from longer-term therapy. We'll regularly review our work together and discuss what feels right for you. My goal is to support you for as long as you find it helpful, whether that's a few weeks or several months.
Confidentiality is a cornerstone of counselling. What you share in our sessions remains private. The only exceptions to this are if I believe there's a risk of serious harm to yourself or others, or if I'm legally required to disclose information. I'll always discuss these limits to confidentiality with you at the start of our work together.
Counselling can be incredibly beneficial for many people. It provides a safe space to explore your thoughts and feelings, gain new perspectives, and develop coping strategies. The process works through our therapeutic relationship - as we build trust, you'll be able to explore difficult topics, understand yourself better, and make positive changes. While I can't guarantee specific outcomes, many clients report feeling more self-aware, confident, and better equipped to handle life's challenges after counselling.
Absolutely! It's very common to feel nervous about starting counselling. Opening up to someone new about personal matters can feel daunting. Remember, we'll go at your pace, and you're in control of what you share. Many clients find that their nerves settle after the first session or two as they become more comfortable with the process. Your comfort is important to me, so we can always discuss any concerns you have along the way.
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