Counselling & Psychotherapy Info

My Counselling and Psychotherapy Approach

After over a decade in practice and many, many professional and personal learning experiences, I strongly believe in a Pluralist and Integrative approach to Counselling and Psychotherapy. Everybody is genuinely different and has individual needs, wants and limits when accessing therapy. I don't believe that any one therapeutic approach or modality holds all the answers and I aim to reject dogmatism in my approach to life professionally and generally. But I do believe in holding a strong philosophical basis of values, to which mine are:

Kindness, empathy and compassion for self and others
To encourage personal empowerment and authenticity in non-hierarchical terms
The right for us all to hold an existential purpose and meaning
To facilitate relational understanding and to be believed in our life story

I'm not the kind of therapist to passively 'sit and nod' (which is unfortunately a common perception of many counsellors and psychotherapists). I'll be conversing with you as a supporting figure, encouraging us to work together safely and collaboratively in exploring relevant past and present relationship dynamics, behavioural patterns, socio-cultural-economic experiences and sometimes even transpersonal themes that will inform your present issues and build a solid foundation for a healthier, more enriching future. My responsibility is not for you, but always towards you and I am committed to your personal development and mental health.

I originally trained in what's known as 'Person-Centred Psychotherapy and Counselling', which basically means that I work by building a professional relationship with each of my clients based on compassion, trust, empathy, genuineness and acceptance (plus a good laugh!). I value this approach and the core principles greatly, largely centring my work on them to this day. The science and date from psychotherapy research over the years clearly and consistently shows that the quality of the relationship between the therapist and client is what works, which I always prioritise.

It's often useful to discuss and collaborate on goals in the beginning stages of therapy, and I'll occasionally introduce the offer of exercises that work towards specific solutions if necessary. I don't follow a set method for this though and don't follow a strict or rigid cognitive and/or behavioural technique plan. My approach is much more fluid and catered towards what will uniquely work for you based on our conversations about what you value (or not), what makes you tick and/or motivated (and what doesn't), and also the patterns I observe and reflect back to you.

The key factor is that we work together cooperatively and I will guide you through the process, with the emphasis being that you are always empowered and in control.

In Person (face to face)

Since the events of 2020, many therapists offer a choice of face to face and online videocall Counselling and Psychotherapy. Whilst I value the opportunity to do online counselling very much (and for some this understandably may be the only option), I still personally prefer face to face work, as it offers a much richer experience of relating and interacting; a broader scope to explore practical therapeutic exercises/techniques; and provides a guaranteed private and safe space away from the rest of your life.

The Counselling Room

I work from my counselling room (see pictures below) which is situated on the first floor/upstairs of my home. It is a warm, private and safe space, on a small residential street just off Hucknall High Street (you'd never know there was a main road around the corner!). I do have wheelchair access into the house, however sessions would need to be conducted on the ground floor in my front/living room - please ask for further information if these are your requirements.

Transport Links

Transport links are very good, with the NET tram service stopping only a short walk away (3-4 minutes) and the Trent Barton 'The Threes' service stopping regularly on Hucknall high street, just around the corner from me - Specific information on how to get to me can be provided upon request.

Parking Information

There are several free and/or low cost carparks along the High Street such as behind the Lighthouse charity shop or slightly further away 'Piggins Croft' carpark, just off Yorke Street at the back of The Range. Many clients also choose to park at one of the large supermarkets nearby, such as Tesco (at your own risk - please check their signage).

Online Counselling (Videocall)

I've been facilitating online videocall Counselling and Psychotherapy for several years now. Whilst certainly not a substitute, I really see it as a different way of working and it is already fast becoming a new format for therapies in the NHS, charity and private sector organisations. It's been an incredible tool that has opened up my ability to work with international clients, those in different parts of the UK and those that prefer a blended approach of face-to-face and online work.

The basic principles remain the same as stated in the sections above. However, you will of course be bringing something of your own environment into the meeting too (or wherever you choose to conduct the videocall) and this can mean certain differences in the engagement.

Some of the benefits of online videocall counselling and psychotherapy are:

Health and safety (during the Covid-19 pandemic, online videocall was legally the only option for therapy in the UK and ensured protection for many peoples health).
Convenience (working online means that you can cut out the travel time to and from therapy).
Broader media engagement (sometimes when engaging online it can be useful to have the means to share media directly, that is appropriate and beneficial to your therapy. This might be certain songs, inspirational videos, essays etc. that can be shared instantaneously).
Ability to meet over a large distance (I've worked with people all over the UK and international clients; videocall tools enable clients to access a much broader pool of Counsellors and Psychotherapists that they want to work with)

Online Platform

I primarily use Zoom for my online therapy videocalls, although I can use Skype as an alternative. I recommend you download the Zoom app (which is free) to your preferred device (PC, laptop or mobile) and ensure you have the correct video and audio settings configured to your liking. Once you have an account, we can also add each other as a contact and call through the app when we are due to meet.

(Alternatively, if you prefer not to download the app and register your own account, I can send an email link 5 minutes before our scheduled meeting which will grant you access to the videocall with a provided passcode).

Online therapy is reliant upon a stable internet connection (and this is never 100% guaranteed!). Please ensure you have the internet bandwidth capacity for this if you wish to meet online.

Privacy and Safeguarding

There is also the additional issue of privacy and potential safeguarding issues that may need to be discussed prior to online counselling. It's important to still have a safe, private space to engage in therapy - sometimes this is simply not possible from your home and face to face counselling may be more appropriate for you. There are several other things that may be considered to ensure you get the most out of our meetings - this can be discussed by email and/or an initial consultation. I will also send a further information sheet to you that highlights these considerations.