~ counselling andover ~ therapy andover ~ psychotherapy andover ~

Counselling or Psychotherapy
Simply put, these are ways to understand how and why we do and think the way that we do. The objective is to use this understanding to improve our lives by making changes that seek to achieve our goals and dreams.

Some therapist call themselves counsellors and some psychotherapists. They both aim to do the same thing. The distinction that really matters is whether they safely and effectively relieve emotional disturbance.

I treat clients as people in need of help, understanding, and wanting to change rather than as people stuck in a set of traditional theories, diagnoses and prognoses. This is an optimistic approach with beliefs that people can and do change, even those with long standing problems, and that people can have choice over what they do and feel.

We work together as client and therapist to create an atmosphere of competence, hope, acceptance, respect, and trust that empowers and instils a sense of control and choice.

We focus on abilities rather than disabilities, strengths rather than weaknesses, opportunities rather than limitations.

All of us are influenced by:

• The past but do not have to be defined by it.
• Our sense of what is possible for our future.
• Our thoughts, feelings, and beliefs but do not necessarily determine our actions and lives.

We therefore avoid going over and over past distressing events and dwelling on the past. What we do instead is to acknowledge these events and seek out positive past experiences we can use now and in the future. These resources are used together with new strategies of thinking and doing and a real sense of what is possible to make the difference now and tomorrow.

It is then a short step to find it's possible to change, to have choice over what we think about and do, and start to have control over the things in our lives we can influence - ourselves and how we feel.

I am trained and experienced in working safely, effectively, and in as few sessions as possible, with the following kinds of disturbance:

- Low mood and depression
- Low self esteem and confidence
- Panic
- Anxiety and fear
- Trauma and fear
- PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder)
- Anger and rage
- Intrusive thoughts
- Obsessions and compulsions
- Relationship issues at home, work & play
- Stress
- Work life balance
- Just being stuck

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions at all about the services that I provide.