What is counselling?
The Oxford dictionary describes a counsellor as an Adviser. That is not necessarily what we look for in therapeutic counselling. “Let me give you a piece of advice” or “In my opinion..” are phrases you are unlikely to hear from a counsellor.
The Dictionary of Counselling sees counselling as the application of a counsellor’s skills, experience and training to the intimate concerns, problems and aspirations of a client.
My approach is person centred, but integrates a range of models that are appropriate to the individual client’s needs. These other models may be:
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy approaches
- Attachment theory
- Solution based therapy
- Relational therapy
- Transactional analysis
- Existential approaches
- Transactional analysis
I also use Mindfulness Stress Reduction Meditation and simple psychodrama if needed, and can offer Motivational Interviewing and Twelve Step Facilitation, and CBT approaches for addiction issues where appropriate.
Therapy is a developing process, not an event. It may be short-term or open ended and should bequeath the client skills and strategies to self-counsel when formal therapy is over.
Everyone has problems. Everyone has resources. In some ways counselling is a form of adjustment:
a collaborative process between client and therapist of identifying
both problems and resources, and developing resources to better cope and
achieve greater well-being. Human beings often have difficulty asking
for help.
The counselling room is a safe place. A place where you are listened to, where there is confidentiality, where the hurly-burly, tensions and distractions of life can be put aside and the issues of your life considered in peace, safety and structure.