Lack of Self-Confidence & Self-Esteem.

I believe all emotional problems stem from a basic loss of confidence and self-esteem. Unhappiness can arise out of something circumstantial recently or be much more deep rooted than that, often from childhood. It is vital in the counselling relationship that you feel safe so you can be guided through what can be painful territory. Feelings you may never have shared with anyone before. If these life affecting circumstances or trauma aren’t examined the mood just deteriorates and festers until breakdown eventually occurs. We all need to be listened to and ideally in a discreet and totally confidential environment. Life can be incredibly difficult for us all but some of us cope better than others. Feeling happier in your own skin and mind is the way forward.

So often we keep making the same mistakes in relationships, almost unknowingly because that is the way we have been programmed – usually from childhood. Negative repeat behaviour is understandable and can be passed down through the generations.

A combination of person centred and cognitive behavioural therapy

I work in a slightly different way to other Counsellors in that I don’t think long drawn out (over 14) sessions gain in effectiveness as time goes on. Although my training was integrative, I have enough evidence through my work to believe in a combination of person centred (talking therapy) and cognitive behavioural therapy ( a more structured method). PCT gives the client the space and time to go over causes of unhappiness covering their lives and working through history. CBT, on the other hand is the 2nd stage of treatment which empowers the client by receiving skills that can be used in the future as well as dealing with the original presenting issue.