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Counselling

The way I work and what you may expect

Although most people experience difficulties, painful events and loss at various stages of their lives, when it is you that is struggling to cope with a particular crisis or crossroads it can feel like you are alone with your stress/pain/fear/loss/doubts. Even if some well meaning friends or family are there for you, often they can be too close to you or the issue to be of any great help. Talking to a professional counsellor very often brings great relief.

The sessions will be confidential and focused on you and your needs. You can expect to be listened to without being judged, shown respect and empathy. The sessions last for 50 minutes. The amount of sessions will be negotiated in the beginning and reviewed during the work to meet your needs.

Counselling is about a safe place for you to explore and express your issues, concerns and fears, whether these are past or present. Frequently it is about discovering, accepting and loving who you are on the inside as well as the outside. Counselling can often assist in the journey of self discovery, and so, my job as a professional counsellor, is to enable you to recognise what it is you need in order to grow and reach your full potential.

Counselling is not about magical cures or answers. There are no guarantees and it does require a certain level of commitment and willingness to work. It is not about being told what to do. If you require this kind of advice, then counselling is unlikely to meet your needs.

Very often life changes and transitions like: moving, changing jobs, stress, sexuality /coming-out, the beginning or ending of relationships, starting a family, mid-life crisis, bereavement or retirement can be very depressing, stressful and worrying. Counselling may help you to work through these developmental stages in your life and grow towards a more satisfying future.

My integrative approach combines these ideas:

• Everyone is in a state of change and development
  
  
• Most people live their lives in a framework of relationships
  
  
• Everyone has a past and what we do in the present has been shaped by what has occurred previously
  
  
• The success of any therapeutic work is dependent on a safe, confidential and respectful setting
  
  

Counselling often helps you gain a better understanding of your past and present conflicts, to recognise, appreciate and use your own resources and consider possibilities for dealing with difficult situations. This may involve clarifying choices and opportunities for bringing about change; or alternatively may help you come to terms with those aspects of your life that you are unable or do not wish to change.

Counselling is about working together in an honest, non-judgemental and supportive relationship at a pace that you decide.

About me

I am an experienced, qualified counsellor with a Diploma in Integrative Counselling accredited by British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy.

I work holistically, and acknowledge the importance of the whole person - mind, emotions, body and spirit.

My working experience includes Education, both adults and children and Family work including supporting and teaching parenting skills.

I particularly encourage expression and stress management via creativity and have had my work published.

My approach is integrative and frequently I use cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) as well as combining other different theories and models. I aim to tailor these to suit you and your needs.

I am easily accessible at both South Woodford, East London and Harold Wood, Essex. Conveniently located close to London Underground and mainline stations and by road and buses.

I work to the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy code of ethics and framework for good practice (www.bacp.co.uk/ethical_framework) and follow its rules relating to confidentiality.

As required by the BACP, I am in regular supervision and follow an ongoing programme of continued professional development.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens at my first session?

The purpose of the initial meeting is to assess whether counselling is appropriate to your needs and allows us to discuss the issue/s, that you seek support for. It will involve some form filling, note taking and enquiring. If after the first session you decide I am not the right person for you, rest assured that I will not be offended. I will do my best to assist you in finding a more suitable counsellor should you so require.

How long will I need to work with you?

This depends on what we agree together. Mostly every six sessions we review our work and decide on the regularity of our sessions and if you wish to continue.

Some people prefer to work short term in brief therapy and others want to continue for longer periods. The number of sessions will vary according to your needs.

You can choose to take a break, seek counselling elsewhere, or return to counselling at any time. In my experience, there are as many people who require a few sessions as a "quick fix" to their situation, as those who require counselling longer term. It really is your choice - you will know when you are ready to go it alone!

How can I make counselling work for me?

You can help yourself by being committed to the counselling process - it often requires much effort and determination to work effectively. If you know what you want to achieve from counselling you are halfway there to solving the problem. However, counselling can assist you to determine your goals if you are unsure of which way to turn. Although you choose what to reveal in counselling, it is important that what you do disclose is as honest and accurate as possible.

Is what I tell you confidential?

The purpose of confidentiality is to provide you with safety and privacy.
Information disclosed is kept strictly confidential and would only be broken if there was a perceived risk of serious harm to you or another person. I regularly meet with my supervisor within a small group setting. We are all counsellors and bound by the same BACP Code of Ethics. At no time is your identity revealed.

What happens if I arrive late?

If you arrive late for a session, the session will begin straight away but will still have to end at the allotted time.

What happens if I miss a session?

If for any reason you have to miss a session then I ask you to pay for it in full, unless I have received a minimum of 48 hours notice.

How does counselling come to an end?

This will be discussed during our work together. We will work towards an ending when it feels right for you.

Telephone Counselling

If face to face counselling is something that is not convenient for you, then I do offer a telephone counselling service.

This is a pre-paid service. Sessions are 50 minutes long as per BACP guidelines. You phone me at a previously agreed session time.

Please ring me to discuss this option if required.

Fees are £50 per 50 minute session.

Payment is easy and secure with PayPal - click on the button below to pay.

Fees

£50 per 50 minute session at the Willow Herbal Centre, The Shrubberies and Moving Arts Base.

£65 for couples.

Concessionary rates are available, each case assessed individually, please ring me on 07904 091 763 to discuss.

Workshops

A Creative Self Awareness Workshop

Break out for a day .....
....Come and play

Journey Into My Creative Self
Sunday 13th January, 9.30 - 4.30

Journey Into Love
Sunday 17th February, 9.30 - 4.30

La Viande,
3 Charlotte Road, London, EC2 3DH

A fun, experiential day in a relaxed, creative environment. Facilitated by two experienced psychotherapists Andrea Harrn & Sue Goode.

• Exploration into the creative self
• Experimenting with images and art to express feelings & thoughts
• Accessing the playful self
• Gain confidence communicating in a small, safe group setting
• A journey into self discovery

Absolutely no previous art skills needed!

£85 per person

Booking and further information call Sue on 07904 091763 or Andrea on 07958 714615

www.innerjourneyworkshops.co.uk

USEFUL LINKS

(Links open in new window)

Professional Organisations

BACP - British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy
www.bacp.co.uk

BPS - British Psychological Society
www.bps.org.uk

UKCP - United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy
www.ukcp.org.uk

Useful Mental Health Sites

Department of Health
www.dh.gov.uk

Mental Health Care - Mental health information for friends, families and carers
www.mentalhealthcare.org.uk

Mind - National Association for Mental Health
www.mind.org.uk

NHSdirect
www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk

Other Useful Sites

Age Concern - The UK's largest organisation working with and for older people
www.ageconcern.org.uk

Asian Family Counselling Service - Confidential counselling service for individuals, couples and families of Asian communities
www.asianfamilycounselling.org.uk

Cancerbacup - Helping people live with cancer
www.cancerbacup.org.uk

The Cancer Counselling Trust
www.cctrust.org.uk

Cruse Bereavement Care
www.crusebereavementcare.org.uk

Gingerbread - The organisation for lone parent families
www.gingerbread.org.uk

NAFSIYAT - Psychotherapy for clients from diverse backgrounds
Email: nafsiyat-therapy@supanet.com
020 7686 8666

PACE - Promoting lesbian and gay health and well-being and offering low cost counselling
www.pacehealth.org.uk

Pink Therapy - London's largest and most experienced private therapy practice working with sexual minority clients
www.pinktherapy.com

RADAR - Royal Association for Disability and Rehabilitation
www.radar.org.uk

Relate - The UK's largest provider of relationship counselling and sex therapy
www.relate.org.uk

The Samaritans - Offering 24 hour confidential emotional support
www.samaritans.org.uk
08457 909090

Terence Higgins Trust Counselling - The largest HIV and Aids charity in the UK
www.tht.org.uk

Silencio Music - Beautiful relaxing CDs and downloads for relaxation, meditation, stress relief and well being.
www.silenciomusic.co.uk

Beat - Beating Eating Disorders. A helpful informative site for those with eating disorders.
www.b-eat.co.uk/Home

OCD Action. Information and support for those with obsessive compulsive disorders.
www.ocdaction.org.uk/ocdaction/index.asp

Post Natal Illness Org UK. Very helpful site for anyone experiencing post natal depression.
www.pni.org.uk/

Addictions. Helpful and supportive site for anyone experiencing problems with addiction/s.
www.addictions.co.uk/

Relationships

Do you need counselling?
www.bbc.co.uk/relationships/couples/comm_counselling.shtml

Sexual Matters
www.bbc.co.uk/relationships/sex_and_sexual_health/exercise_index.shtml

For Young People

Young People's Bereavement Issues
www.rd4u.org.uk/

Sort out Stress
www.sort-out-stress.co.uk/

Londons Learning
www.londonslearning.co.uk

Understanding Anger/Anger Management

How to restrain violent impulses
www.mind.org.uk/Information/Booklets/How+to/How+to+restrain+your+violent+impulses.htm

Anger Management
www.bbc.co.uk/health/conditions/mental_health/coping_angermanagement1.shtml

Panic Attacks, Stress & Anxiety

What is Stress?
www.surgerydoor.co.uk/medcons/detail.asp?Recno=23069098

Sleep Problems
www.mind.org.uk/Information/Booklets/Other/mindtroubleshooterssleep.htm

Panic Attacks
www.mind.org.uk/Information/Booklets/Other/Mindtroubleshooterspanicattacks.htm

How to cope with panic attacks
www.mind.org.uk/Information/Booklets/How+to/How+to+cope+with+panic+attacks.htm

Support for sufferers of panic attacks, phobias, OCD
www.nopanic.org.uk/

Relaxation

Relaxation Techniques
www.bbc.co.uk/health/conditions/mental_health/coping_relaxation.shtml

Relaxation Guide
www.mind.org.uk/Information/Booklets/Mind+guide+to/The+Mind+guide+to+relaxation.htm

Survivors of Abuse

Support Line
www.supportline.org.uk/problems/childabuse_survivors.php

Other Links

www.lotusfeetreflexology.co.uk

www.westwickhamandbeckenhamcounselling.com/

www.andreaharrn.co.uk

www.londonnorthcounselling.co.uk

www.innerjourneyworkshops.co.uk

www.changeyourmind.ltd.uk

www.advanceresourcesandtraining.co.uk

www.mickcox.co.uk - Music for relaxation, hypnotherapy, meditation and reiki. Reduce stress, relieve anxiety and improve sleep with my relaxation music . I offer downloads and royalty free music as well.

How to Find Me

The Shrubberies

The Shrubberies is located off George Lane in South Woodford. There is plenty of metered parking on the viaduct which is a short walk away.

Moving Arts Base

To enter the premises, pass under the archway marked ‘movingartsbase’. Once inside the courtyard, the 1:1 Rooms are found in the main building at the end of the courtyard. (A good landmark for finding the studio along Liverpool Road is Nolia’s Gallery)

By Tube: The Northern line to Angel tube station, and a short six-minute walk along Liverpool Road to the studios.
The Victoria line to Highbury and Islington tube station, and a ten-minute walk along Liverpool Road to the studio.

By Rail: There is a main line and over ground line into Kings Cross station, as well as Hammersmith and City, Metropolitan, District, Circle, Northern and Victoria tube lines. Kings Cross is 15 minutes from the studio.
The Silverlink North London line to Highbury and Islington station.

By Bus: There are various bus services to and from Upper Street in Islington, a five-minute walk from the studio.

Parking: Metered parking is available on Liverpool Road outside the premises between the hours of 8.30am and 6.30pm, Monday to Friday and 8.30am and 1.30pm on Saturdays. It is free of charge to park on Liverpool Road outside these times.

Willow Herbal Centre

The Willow Herbal Centre is located off Gubbins Lane, and a 3 minute walk from Harold Wood Station.

By Road: M25, Junction 28, A12 towards Romford at the 2nd set of traffic lights turn left into Gubbins Lane. The centre is about half mile on the right hand side, before Harold Wood Station. There is space on the driveway to park.

By Bus: The following buses all stop at Harold Wood Station: 294, 256 and 496.

By Rail: From Liverpool Street, London, via Romford, take the main line train to Harold Wood Station. The centre is a short walk away.