Therapeutic Counselling

I am a qualified Psychotherapeutic Counsellor and a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), operating to its strict ethical code. I am committed to helping my clients discover their own way forward, in a relationship which is neither judgmental nor directive. The client is always at the centre of this relationship, the agenda is always theirs: whether the issue relates to their life as it is now, or is something with roots in their past.

At the core of my work is the traditional ‘talking therapy’; my training was primarily psychodynamic, but included strong elements of the person-centred approach and some Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. But, because I am also a qualified Creative Arts Therapist, this core activity is enhanced by my clients having the option to explore and express themselves through a range of other activities, such as creative sand tray work and arts and crafts; the choice is always theirs.

For more information on Creative Arts Therapy see Play Therapy page.

Who Benefits from Counselling?

All kinds of people in all age groups benefit from expressing themselves in a way which enables them to feel heard, develop insight, and get clarity and direction back into their lives. My clients have included those with concerns around:

  • anxiety and panic attacks
  • depression
  • low self esteem
  • difficulties coping with change
  • relationship difficulties
  • unresolved past traumas
  • the challenge of parenting children with special needs
  • domestic violence
  • physical, emotional and sexual abuse
  • learning difficulties and Asperger’s Syndrome
  • self-harm

The sessions

Counselling is not a ‘quick fix’ involvement, and the number of sessions undertaken will vary for each unique individual. It is a process, based on a personal relationship between counsellor and client; trust and complete confidentiality are the foundations upon which this relationship are built. Our first session will expand this concept, as well as being an opportunity for us to talk about your expectations of counselling , and decide whether to move on together in a therapeutic relationship.

Each session lasts 50 minutes, and takes place in a dedicated counselling room in the St Ives/Huntingdon area, during weekdays and early evenings. Online sessions are also available. Fees are within a competitive range for this region.

Does it work?

A significant recent piece of research done in the USA by Jonathan Shedler (University of Colorado Denver Medical School) concluded that scientific evidence proves that psychodynamic therapy is effective not only at the time, but—perhaps unlike other forms of therapy—clients continue to improve after sessions end:

The evidence indicates that the benefits of psychodynamic treatment are lasting and not just transitory and appear to extend well beyond symptom remission. For many people, psychodynamic therapy may foster inner resources and capacities that allow richer, freer, and more fulfilling lives.

— American Psychologist, Feb-Mar 2010 Vol 65 No 2 pages 98-109): The Efficacy of Psychodynamic Psychotherapy

Comments are closed.