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What is Counselling?
Let me start by saying what it is not! It is definitely not about me telling you what to do or focus on what's wrong with you. It is far more about me helping you to reach your own answers about your life and your future, in a way which is non-judgmental, and about us exploring together things which you may want to change. I work in a very collaborative and empowering way, and invite feedback throughout our relationship to make sure we are focusing on the areas you want to address, and explain the process of different ways of working as they arise.
There are hundreds of different ways of working as a counsellor/psychotherapist. I describe my way of working as integrative and eclectic. This means that I take what I feel is the most appropriate way of working according to the issue we are dealing with, and our own personal styles, rather than always working from the same theoretical standpoint. For instance, there are times when I may focus on the past more to bring some insight into difficulties faced in the present, and to prevent repeating them in the future. At other times, it can be more helpful to look at what is happening in the present time, and work more immediately towards solutions. At other times, it may just be that an understanding, empathic listening ear is what is required, to build up your sense of self-esteem and confidence.
I recommend the following website of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, which will give more comprehensive details about counselling, and also details of other practitioners in this area:
http://www.bacp.co.uk
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