Counselling is often described as a talking therapy but this can be misleading. Counselling is also about listening, about the counsellor listening to the client, about the client listening to the counsellor. And central to all of this is the client learning to listen to themselves.
There are so many different types of counselling available out there. There is no one size fits all. We are, each of us, unique, with our own particular hopes, needs and experiences. Integrative counselling recognises this, combining aspects of varying approaches to provide a therapeutic space fitted to you and you alone.
Maybe your decision to attend counselling is simple and straightforward. You have a goal in mind and want to work towards achieving it.
And maybe the decision to attend counselling, brings a sense of panic or overwhelm. Perhaps you feel that painful as life is right now, it's easier to endure than the fear that you won't be able to handle whatever surfaces, that you'll be judged for your feelings and experiences.
I am here to assure you that will not happen. My job is not to judge you but to support you. I want you to feel you have someone in your corner. Together we can create a safe space in which to explore whatever is burdening you and find a way to set down and move beyond that burden to experience hope, healing and growth.
Never underestimate the power of compassionate listening.