HOW I WORK
HOW I WORK
My Approach to Counselling
The foundation of how I approach therapy with individuals, families and couples is based on the theory and practice of
Person-centred Therapy and Mindfulness.
Person-centred Therapy and Mindfulness.
Person-centred therapy is a holistic, experiential and relational way of working with individuals and couples. From a Person-centred counselling perspective, a life-well lived is founded on a person's awareness of how they live their life and how they maintain their relationships.
Mindfulness builds on this theory by practically and compassionately teaching us that the greatest gift we can give ourselves and others is to be fully present to our experience.
How Person-Centred Therapy Helps
How Person-Centred Therapy Helps
Person-centred therapy supports you in raising your awareness about how you are living your life, who you are in relationship with others and what choices you are making. In being more aware, Person-centred therapy can then help you make more positive choices that will have meaning, are supportive and will aid you in creating more fulfilling relationships.
Through families and couples counselling, I support you and your family member or partner in becoming aware of the negative and destructive patterns that have become entrenched, so that you may begin to dismantle those patterns and begin to form new ways of relating that are supportive, loving and enriching to your relationship.
The Person-Centred Approach to Positive Growth
The Person-Centred Approach to Positive Growth
“I find the best way to be with someone is not to change them, but instead, help them reveal the greatest version of themselves.”
― Steve Maraboli, Unapologetically You: Reflections on Life and the Human Experience
The theory of Person-centred therapy is underpinned by the idea that growth comes from being more fully yourself.
Person-centred therapy will help you restore your sense of who you are, what your needs are and how to get your needs met.
My counselling approach will help us learn how you are in the world, what you think and feel, how you maintain your relationships and what you are doing to support or not support yourself in your movement towards a more fulfilling life.
In my experience, Person-centred therapy has a radical and practical approach to living that is effective in helping people live more fulfilling and satisfying lives.
Person-Centred Therapy is a Holistic Approach
This means I value and accept the whole of you, including your values and beliefs, family influences, cultural heritage, past, present and future experiences and aspirations. I don't view you as a problem to be solved. Through listening and encouraging your curiosity about all parts of yourself I will support you in developing a greater sense of wholeness. All aspects of you are important and interconnected, a vital part of you, your relationships and your life.
I will encourage and focus you on the knowledge, understanding, resources and wisdom that you have gained throughout your life. You have the resources to heal yourself and your relationships, my approach will guide you back to those resources.
In working with families and couples I am interested in your strengths as a family or couple. We explore what has worked well, so that you may build on these. We also explore what is not working well and what you bring from your past that maybe getting in the way of relating in healthy and intimate ways. This is often an opportunity for trying out new ways of relating in the therapy room to deepen your connection with your partner.
Mindfulness
Mindfulness
Mindfulness is a way of paying attention that is fully present and attuned to your environment and those around you. It is a natural relaxed state of mind that is present, aware and focused.
Mindfulness meditation has been scientifically proven to physically change core structures in the brain that are beneficial in terms of long-term health, and in terms of healthier relationships. Meditation has been shown to increase neural structures of the brain that foster empathy and compassion. The NHS (under NICE guidelines) now recommends Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) Programmes to people who have suffered two-bouts of severe depression, after research showed that MBCT was as effective as
Anti-depressants.
Mindfulness helps you develop a strong ability to observe your thoughts and feelings in a calm, compassionate and non-judgemental way. With practice you can begin to discern the workings of the mind and not get as carried away with thoughts as you did in the past. As a result you give yourself vital breathing space and from this calmer state you relate to yourself and others with more sensitivity, empathy and compassion: Vital attitudes and abilities in healthy relationships.
Mindfulness though based on Buddhist teachings is taught and practiced by me in a non-religious and secular way.
I have been practicing meditation for several years and have received training that has furthered my understanding of how the mind/body works under stress and how Mindfulness can support healthier living. What this means for you is that I am able to bring a fully present, calm, compassionate and curious attitude to our work together, as well as show you practical and easy-to-learn techniques that will support you in your daily life.
I am able to meet you where you are currently and provide the empathy and space for you to explore your experience of living. Through my mindful approach you will gain insight into new options and choices that were previously unavailable.
I can also support you in fostering a mindfulness practice.
In my experience the practice of mindfulness has helped myself and my clients become more effective in their relationships and careers.
A relational approach
Familiar patterns of relating will inevitably surface in the therapy relationship between yourself and a therapist, so I will often pay attention to how we relate as this can be a valuable source of information for you. In this way you can become more aware of any blocks you have to relating with yourself and others. We can then try out and develop new ways of relating that you can transfer to your other relationships.
Current research into the benefits of psychotherapy provides strong evidence of the powerful healing potential of the client-therapist relationship. Therapy is is a powerful method of healing past relationship wounds.
As a person-centred therapist I believe that a strong working relationship is fundamental to a positive outcome for you and I therefore take great care in actively attending to you and our relationship as our work together develops.
Are you ready to move on with your life? Do you want better relationships?
If so, contact me today to set up a FREE confidential 20-minute phone consultation.
Get in Contact
What clients say...
“I really didn't expect counselling to work as well as it did. You helped me reframe my experience and work out what steps I needed to take. Thank you!”
“James you always bring a calm presence which helped me find that calm place in myself time and time again.”