Person Centred Therapy

Person-centered therapy (PCT) is a holistic talking therapy founded by psychologist Carl Rogers in the 1940s and 1950s.  Carl Rogers said “it is the client who knows what hurts, what directions to go, what problems are crucial, what experiences have been deeply buried”.

PCT is a talking therapy which places the client at the heart of his or her own therapy.

The goal of PCT is to provide clients with an opportunity to develop a sense of self wherein they can realise how their attitudes, feelings and behavior are being negatively affected and make an effort to find their true positive potential. In this technique, therapists create a comfortable, non-judgmental environment by demonstrating congruence (genuineness), empathy, and unconditional positive regard toward their clients while using a non-directive approach.

This provides the client with the opportunity to have a deep and meaningful relationship based on genuine warmth, respect and acceptance.  Through such a relationship the client can gradually begin to explore difficult facets of their experience which are challenging to their self-concept. The therapist will encourage their client to think about their feelings and take responsibility for their thoughts and actions.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a form of psychotherapy that emphasizes the important role of 'thinking' in how we feel and how that affects what we do.  Focusing on how you think about the things going on in your life (your thoughts, images, beliefs and attitudes, your past experiences and how these things relate to your current problems).

Your thoughts, feelings, physical sensations and actions are interconnected, often trapping you in a negative spiral. CBT helps you stop these negative cycles, breaking down factors that are making you feel depressed or anxious so that they become more manageable. It shows you how to change these negative patterns to improve the way you think and feel.

Hadassah Townend uses Cognitive Behavioural Therapy to counsel adults of all ages experiencing a range of problems such as depression, anxiety, OCD, phobias, eating disorders and low self confidence.

Please contact her on 07816522821 or email Hadassah@cbtandcounselling.co.uk

or visit her website: www.cbtandcounselling.co.uk

Psychodynamic Counselling

Psychodynamic counselling ‘does what it says on the tin’ - it promotes the dynamic growth and development of the psyche or self. 

We all have a conscious self that directs our everyday life, but also an unconscious part that can influence us in less obvious ways. This is the part that reminds us of past beliefs and impressions, which we may have internalised and repeat unconsciously. For example, an authoritarian caregiver, perhaps a parent or teacher, may leave us uncomfortable when facing figures of authority, perhaps a critical boss. 

Counselling can help bring the unconscious into consciousness, so old beliefs can be thought through, and new ways of thinking and being developed. The counsellor will not direct, but fosters a good relationship in a safe space, in which difficult issues can be talked about in collaboration.

Psychodynamic counselling can help with many issues, such as relationship problems, bereavement, divorce, abuse, loss, depression, anxiety and identity. Some people come at times of distress, others wanting to get in touch with more creative aspects of themselves before making changes in their lives - it can be used as short-term focused work for a pre-set number of weeks, or be open-ended for ‘as long as it takes’. 

Relationship Counselling

All relationships have highs and lows. That's a fact. Life events such as having a baby, financial worries, getting a promotion, children leaving home or redundancy can affect people's mood and behaviour, upsetting the natural balance of their relationship.

Couples deal with this kind of stress in different, and not always helpful, ways - for example drifting apart or withdrawing, being good friends but not intimate, rowing a lot, or seeking solace elsewhere. Relationship counsellors can help you become more aware of what's going on, so you'll be better equipped to handle things.

In some cases, you may even be wondering whether it would be best to separate, or how to maintain a constructive relationship after a break-up for the sake of the children.  Relationship counsellors can help in these situations.

Please contact Alice Phillpott if you would like to find out more about Relationship counselling.

contact her on 07563634351 or email alice.rshipcounselling@gmail.com

Integrative Psychotherapy and Counselling

Integrative Psychotherapy combines different therapeutic tools and approaches to fit the needs of the individual. By working with elements from different schools of psychotherapy theory and research, integrative therapy is a flexible and inclusive approach to treatment. Therapeutic theories include: psychoanalytic, psychodynamic and person-centred approaches, transactional analysis, gestalt therapy and creative therapy, alongside neuroscientific research. This approach works with a full range of influences to support you in the process of personal growth and change.

Harriet Cookson is an Integrative Psychotherapist and Art Psychotherapist working with adults of all ages and backgrounds experiencing a range of problems and issues.

Please contact her on 07914 775296 or email Harriet@harrietcookson.com

or visit her website: harrietcookson.com

Art Psychotherapy

Art Therapy or Art Psychotherapy is a form of therapy that uses art materials as the primary form of communication. No artistic skills or experience are needed, just curiosity and a willingness to explore. Image making can help you to find ways of expressing yourself and to explore and process emotional issues which may be hard to put into words.

Art therapy draws on a range of theories including psychoanalysis, attachment-based psychotherapy, mindfulness and compassion-focussed approaches as well as neuroscience to support the process of personal growth and change.

For more information, see the website of the British Association of Art Therapists https://www.baat.org/About-Art-Therapy

Harriet Cookson is a State Registered Art Psychotherapist and Integrative Psychotherapist working with adults of all ages and backgrounds experiencing a range of problems and issues.

Please contact her on 07914 775296 or email Harriet@harrietcookson.com

or visit her website: harrietcookson.com