Counselling/Therapy

Counselling and therapy are provided through Looking Glass using a range of both cognitive and non-cognitive modalities. As a general rule, the purpose of engaging in counselling and therapy is to work towards greater ease in your system. This is done through a safe and supportive therapeutic alliance which facilitates the exploration of your inner and outer worlds; how your past affects your present; and other patterns and struggles.  Through exploration, reflection and various therapeutic interventions you can:

·  Increase your understanding of the patterns and dynamics in your life

·  Identify and heal from emotional wounding that continues to cause distress

·  Be supported through grief and loss

·  Attend to, and recover from, child or adult trauma and its ongoing effects

·  Improve relationships

·  Resolve current struggles and make shifts towards a better life

The range of issues we can work together on include, but are not limited to:

• Interpersonal or family violence
• Mental health concerns
• Childhood trauma
• Relationship issues, including family of origin
• Eating disorders, disordered eating, body image
• Grief and loss
• Parenting
• Conflict
• Medical trauma

My therapeutic work is trauma-informed, relational and flexible: I draw on a range of theoretical approaches and therapeutic modalities and tailor sessions to your needs. Major influences in my practice are:

• Attachment theory
• Child development
• Ecological systems theory
• Internal Family Systems Therapy
• Neurobiology of trauma
• Somatic therapies
• Mindfulness
• Breathwork 

Optimising the benefits of counselling 

There are a few things that can help to the get the most out of your counselling/therapeutic experience:

• Find a counsellor who is a good fit for you – this may mean trying a few, but it is essential that you establish a good therapeutic relationship
• Come prepared each session – have an idea about what you’d like to focus on, and take some time beforehand to centre and settle yourself
• Take notes during session if this feels right for you
• Consolidate your learning and insights between sessions – for example through journalling, practising skills, reflecting, paying attention to your internal world (thoughts, sensations, feelings)
• Attend to your Mental Health Basics:
  • Hydration
  • Nutrition
  • Sleep hygiene
  • Movement
  • Connecting with people
  • Disconnecting from screens
  • Doing things that make you come alive

For a free initial 15 minute discussion about your counselling/therapy needs, please contact me.