Psychotherapists and Counsellors Answer your Questions

A huge part of who I am as a person is my firm belief in the concept of treating others as you wish to be treated yourself. That encompasses many different values including compassion, honesty,...

A huge part of who I am as a person is my firm belief in the concept of treating others as you wish to be treated yourself. That encompasses many different values including compassion, honesty, authenticity, fairness, equality, dignity, acceptance & respect to name just a few. These values underpin my way of being when working with you as a client. I also believe it takes courage to ask for help. Admitting you canâ??t do everything on your own, is the first step toward achieving wellness in a fast paced, demanding world. The good news is, asking for help gets easier with a little practice. The way in which we cope in the world is greatly influenced by how we see the world. Asking for help, and obtaining a fresh perspective is often the first and most profound step toward developing the mental muscle needed to become stronger. The more support you gain, the better equipped you will be to take on new challenges and achieve more successes. My goal is to provide you that support.

My professional development has been influenced by person-centred and strengths-based philosophies, which emphasise empathy, self-determination, and the belief that people have the capacity for...

My professional development has been influenced by person-centred and strengths-based philosophies, which emphasise empathy, self-determination, and the belief that people have the capacity for growth. Narrative Therapy has shaped my approach by highlighting the power of personal stories, while Positive Psychology reinforces the importance of resilience and meaning in healing.

The foundation of my therapy is the Catholic belief in the inherent dignity of the human person. As such, I believe each person is unique, valuable and important, no matter the mistakes they have...

The foundation of my therapy is the Catholic belief in the inherent dignity of the human person. As such, I believe each person is unique, valuable and important, no matter the mistakes they have made. I believe that the human person consists of soul (spirit) and body and so my approach to counselling considers the person holistically, looking at the biological, psychological, emotional, social and spiritual (if the client is willing) dimensions.

Behaviourism, humanistic / person-centred, Gestalt, Buddhism, Psychodynamic theories and Jungian Psychology.

Behaviourism, humanistic / person-centred, Gestalt, Buddhism, Psychodynamic theories and Jungian Psychology.

My professional development is grounded in several key philosophical approaches. Humanistic and existential philosophies shape my belief in each personâ??s potential for growth, healing, and meaning....

My professional development is grounded in several key philosophical approaches. Humanistic and existential philosophies shape my belief in each personâ??s potential for growth, healing, and meaning. Constructivist principles inform my use of narrative therapy, recognizing the power of personal stories in shaping our lives. I also take an integrative approach, drawing on evidence-based methods like CBT, NLP, and mindfulness to tailor support to each clientâ??s unique needs.

Somatic Psychotherapy (SE and SP) Buddhist psychology and the ancient wisdom traditions (though I am not a religious Buddhist) Compassionate focus Internal Family Systems Parts Work,...

Somatic Psychotherapy (SE and SP) Buddhist psychology and the ancient wisdom traditions (though I am not a religious Buddhist) Compassionate focus Internal Family Systems Parts Work, Person-Centred Approaches Inner Child Healing

I incorporate elements of humanistic psychology, focusing on the inherent value and potential for growth within each individual. I value connection, compassion, curiosity and integrity. At the end of...

I incorporate elements of humanistic psychology, focusing on the inherent value and potential for growth within each individual. I value connection, compassion, curiosity and integrity. At the end of the day I aim to improve quality of life and to become obsolete in a client's life. I want to empower people to come unstuck and to make changes that will help them recover or find resolution to challenges.

Being Non judgmental and totally accepting of others - we are all individuals and that should be celebrated, not berated or crushed.... I love the uniqueness of all...and not to take personally...

Being Non judgmental and totally accepting of others - we are all individuals and that should be celebrated, not berated or crushed.... I love the uniqueness of all...and not to take personally another's journey and experiences that may impact on how they feel and how they behave... this is not about you... it is about them. Can I learn from this? Your own life experiences can provide an incredible platform of learning about oneself... you have the power and choice to see that opportunity.

I'd say the most influential philosophies/theories are neurodiversity-affirming, anti-oppressive practice, field theory and attachment theory. Field theory: I am trained as a Gestalt therapist....

I'd say the most influential philosophies/theories are neurodiversity-affirming, anti-oppressive practice, field theory and attachment theory. Field theory: I am trained as a Gestalt therapist. One of the foundational pillars of Gestalt therapy is field theory, which makes Gestalt a therapy of the situation - so we seek to always be raising awareness and adding greater complexity to a client's situation. This causes paradigm shifts as I find when one comes to understand their situation more complexly, self-acceptance is a natural result and through acceptance the possibility for change opens up. Another important component of field theory is that clients need both internal and external support for change. So, we work in an ongoing process of discovering supports that are already available, exploring and appreciating them, and also at cultivating new supports (internal and external). Attachment theory: This theory comes naturally to me. Since becoming a parent in my early 20s I've felt a strong drive toward justice, care and respect for children. My aim as a therapist is to create a secure attachment relationship with my clients. I find that often the secure relationship they develop with me is the first one of their life. This new therapeutic relationship creates new neural pathways - new internal schemas of relational possibility. A new way of being in relationship, with self and other. This means my clients develop new embodied skills and ways to create healthy, safe and supportive relationships in their lives - outside of the therapy room.

I do not try and 'fix' anyone.... I don't believe they are broken. I do however believe in a strengths based, person centred approach to best support the individual to feel empowered and become their...

I do not try and 'fix' anyone.... I don't believe they are broken. I do however believe in a strengths based, person centred approach to best support the individual to feel empowered and become their 'best selves'.

Much of the way we experience our world is centred around the other people that we encounter. I am heavily influenced by approaches that examine the subjective and contextual elements of these...

Much of the way we experience our world is centred around the other people that we encounter. I am heavily influenced by approaches that examine the subjective and contextual elements of these interactions. These intersubjective approaches emphasise the interactions between therapists and clients. These are good analogies for how we all interact with the other people in our lives. I am perpetually drawn back to existential philosophies. We live in a time when cultural and technological changes are occurring more rapidly now than ever before. Our fundamental questions about life are becoming ever more relevant - who are we, what is the purpose of our lives, what is that best way to live. Existential philosophies do not give ready made answers to these questions but act as guides as we find ways to answer these questions for ourselves. They help us to shape the questions that we ask and work through the anxieties that challenges present.

If I were to name one philosophical approach that has influenced my professional and personal development, it would be Existentialism. As we travel through life, bigger questions arise. What is our...

If I were to name one philosophical approach that has influenced my professional and personal development, it would be Existentialism. As we travel through life, bigger questions arise. What is our purpose? What legacy do I wish to leave? The older you get, I find these questions require deeper exploration and understanding. If only we all had the wisdom of age when we were younger!

The Existential philosophical approach has had a profound impact on my professional development, in particular, the work of Victor Frankl. I am often inspired by his words: When we are no longer...

The Existential philosophical approach has had a profound impact on my professional development, in particular, the work of Victor Frankl. I am often inspired by his words: When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves. I also take great comfort from the stoic philosophers who encouraged us all to focus on what is actually within our control.

Through my early training as a psychologist, I developed counselling skills in cognitive-behavioural therapy, solutions-focussed therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and narrative therapy. In...

Through my early training as a psychologist, I developed counselling skills in cognitive-behavioural therapy, solutions-focussed therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and narrative therapy. In recent years, I have undertaken skills development in somatic (body-based) therapy and long-term therapy (also known as psychotherapy), based upon the work of Carl Jung. I have found these modalities of treatment to be highly effective for supporting people through persistent psychological difficulties and suffering.

A blend of Eastern (Buddhist and Toaist) and Western philosophy.

A blend of Eastern (Buddhist and Toaist) and Western philosophy.

My professional development has been deeply influenced by existential and humanistic philosophies, which honour the complexity of being human and emphasise meaning, authenticity, and personal...

My professional development has been deeply influenced by existential and humanistic philosophies, which honour the complexity of being human and emphasise meaning, authenticity, and personal responsibility. Iâ??m also guided by relational and depth-oriented approaches, particularly those that explore the unconscious, early attachment experiences, and the importance of integration over symptom suppression. Interpersonal neurobiology has further shaped my understanding of how relationships and the brain interact, reinforcing the power of attuned connection in healing and emotional regulation. These perspectives continue to shape how I show up in the therapeutic space: with curiosity, humility, and a genuine appreciation for each personâ??s unique journey.

Solution Focus Brief Therapy

Solution Focus Brief Therapy

Some of the key influences for me include Carl Rogers and his focus on person-centred care, as well as Victor Frankl and his emphasis on the search for meaning in life.

Some of the key influences for me include Carl Rogers and his focus on person-centred care, as well as Victor Frankl and his emphasis on the search for meaning in life.

The philosophical approaches that have significantly influenced my professional development as a therapist include person-centered therapy, holistic therapy interventions, and somatic-based...

The philosophical approaches that have significantly influenced my professional development as a therapist include person-centered therapy, holistic therapy interventions, and somatic-based interventions. Person-Centered Approach: Person-centered therapy, pioneered by Carl Rogers, emphasizes empathy, unconditional positive regard, and genuineness in the therapeutic relationship. This approach has taught me the importance of understanding clients' subjective experiences and fostering a supportive environment where they feel accepted and valued. Holistic Therapy Interventions: Holistic therapy considers the interconnectedness of the mind, body, and spirit in addressing psychological issues. It emphasizes treating the whole person rather than just symptoms, incorporating techniques such as mindfulness, relaxation exercises, and individualised treatment plans. Somatic-Based Interventions: Somatic-based interventions, influenced by therapists like Peter Levine and Vessel Van Der Kolk, focus on the connection between the body and psychological well-being. These approaches recognise the impact of trauma and stress on the body, and emphasize techniques such as somatic experiencing and body-centered therapies to address and release stored tension and trauma. By integrating principles from these philosophical approaches into my practice, I aim to create a therapeutic environment that promotes empathy, acceptance, authenticity, and holistic well-being. This comprehensive approach allows me to address the diverse needs of my clients and facilitate their personal growth and healing on multiple levels.

Many all the way to the basics of Maslow's Hierarchy of needs in University and forward through Solution Focussed therapies and Somatic therapies to pluralistic therapy. Believing different techniques...

Many all the way to the basics of Maslow's Hierarchy of needs in University and forward through Solution Focussed therapies and Somatic therapies to pluralistic therapy. Believing different techniques are different for different people at different stages of their lives. Putting people at the centre of therapy and supporting them on the basis that they know their own life best. I am constantly learning new tips, tricks and information which I enthusiastically share with others. ââ?¬Å?Knowledge not shared remains unknown.ââ?¬Â Luigi l Lemencello from ââ?¬Å?Mr Lemincello's Libraryââ?¬Â written by Chris Grabenstein

Acceptance and Commitment therapy - the mindfulness, compassion, practicality and wide applicability make it my go-to therapy approach, (plus the generosity of the ACT community) Process-oriented...

Acceptance and Commitment therapy - the mindfulness, compassion, practicality and wide applicability make it my go-to therapy approach, (plus the generosity of the ACT community) Process-oriented psychology - for the deep, transformative, shamanic exercises and experiences, for the unique understanding of consciousness (which blends well with ACT) Client-centred therapy - so essential to take care of the fundamentals - connection, care, compassion, non-judgment, aligning with client goals CBT - sometimes you just need these rock solid cognitive-behavioural techniques