What is Counselling?
Integrative Counsellor
As an Integrative Counsellor, I understand that people seek counselling for various reasons, each as unique as the individual themselves. Many come in search of support through difficult times, whether it's dealing with bereavement, anxiety, or simply feeling overwhelmed by life's challenges. I believe that everyone deserves to be heard and valued, and my aim is to create a safe space where you can express yourself freely. My empathetic and kind approach, combined with over 5 years of experience, ensures that you feel respected and understood throughout your journey.
The foundation of effective counselling lies in the trusting relationship between the counsellor and client. In my work as an Integrative Counsellor, I have found that telephone counselling is a valid and incredibly useful method. Clients often share that they felt more comfortable expressing their thoughts and feelings without the pressure of face-to-face interactions. The convenience of telephone counselling eliminates travel time, opening up greater accessibility, especially for those who may struggle to find time in their busy lives. Throughout my sessions, I hone my listening skills, tuning into your emotional responses through tone and pacing, allowing for meaningful pauses that can lead to profound realisations.
I offer flexibility in how we can work together, with options for both in-person sessions or telephone counselling, whichever suits you best. For in-person visits, I can travel to your home, provided you have a private and safe environment for our discussions. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals experiencing issues like hoarding disorder, where the home environment plays a central role. Additionally, some clients may prefer staying at home due to high anxiety levels or simply personal choice. Regardless of the format, my goal as an Integrative Counsellor is to ensure you feel comfortable and supported throughout our sessions.
In my practice, I incorporate techniques such as mindfulness and relaxation methods. These strategies help you to stay present, tuning into how you feel both physically and mentally. Guided visualisations and grounding techniques can quiet the chatter in your mind, allowing for a clearer path to self-discovery.
"How you think is how you feel." Our thoughts, attitude and beliefs, shape the way we view ourselves and the world. CBT is about choosing helful thoughts, setting goals and leading to behavioural change.
Gestalt therapy focuses on the present moment, encouraging clients to engage in active processes. For instance, writing a letter to someone you've lost or role-playing conversations can be empowering. This approach is particularly valuable for addressing feelings of anger and can provide a dynamic outlet for expression, such as drawing or even punching a cushion to release pent-up emotions.
At the heart of my practice as an Integrative Counsellor lies the person-centred approach. This method captures both the spoken and unspoken elements of our interactions, fostering a deep understanding of each other. Trust, commitment, and genuine connection form the cornerstone of our relationship, creating a safe environment for growth and healing.
Confidentiality is within limits meaning that I will not disclose anything you say unless it is dangerous to you and / or others. This includes acts of terrorism, abuse of all kinds and other serious illegal activities. It is my moral legal and professional duty to act to safeguard vulnerable adults and children.
I keep a few notes to help my memory, your personal details, forms and notes are kept in a locked box. You can request to see your notes at any time.
I have a Supervisor who is bound by the same confidentiality as myself, I may discuss my work with her without giving your name unless there are safeguarding issues.
If you are ready to take the first step towards a more fulfilling life, I invite you to reach out for an initial consultation. You can contact me at 07840 320950 or email me at caroline@forgetmenotcounselling.co.uk. Together, we can explore how my integrative approach can support your needs.