Humanistic Counselling in Rochester

Stepping into counselling and looking for a therapist when you are feeling at your most vulnerable can seem very daunting. You are possibly feeling very low and anxious and in need of a neutral and non-judgemental place to turn. I offer Person Centred Therapy - a Humanistic Approach that deals with the ways in which a person consciously perceives themselves. I am client-led, I do not offer you advice, but trust that the relationship we develop together will allow you to find what you need. I offer therapy to Adults, Young People and Children (5years plus) and can work creatively.

I am an experienced, humanistic, relational counsellor . I trained and work integratively. This means I use several different models of counselling intertwined, leaning more to one than the others as required by the individual. These include Person Centred, CBT, Psychodynamic and Existential . Post qualifying, I have trained extensively in working with trauma. I believe the quality of the relationship between client and counsellor is very important. I see my clients in private, quiet and comfortable rooms in Gillingham town centre with public car parks available nearby and easy access to public transport link.

My direction towards self-development has exposed me to deep & wonderful values. I now understand that feelings don’t need to be avoided or feared, they just are. I know people are all inherently creative & given the right environment of empathy, non-judgmental & unconditional positive regard everyone can find their way.

You are not alone. There are many reasons why people seek counselling such as anxiety, bereavement or relationships and it can be a combination of things that makes someone feel overwhelmed. I work with all age groups, genders and cultures; with individuals, couples and families. Talking can be difficult for anyone so I also offer creative and animal assisted therapies to enable clients to express their feelings and experiences in a less challenging way. I am experienced in different life issues: If you are Deaf I can sign BSL or you might be on the Autistic Spectrum. If appropriate I can also work with clients in a home setting.

COUNSELLING AND WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM ME:...……………I'm a person centred counsellor. My approach is non-directive and you are the expert of our own life. I work in a non-judgemental and respective way. I'm a caring, empathic and friendly person. Sometimes we need to step back and review our life and refocus and look at what matters which will then enable you to make new decisions. I will offer you a safe and confidential space where you will feel listened to without any criticism or judgment.

I am a person centred therapeutic counsellor and I am also qualified to provide relationship counselling. I work in a non-directive and non-judgemental way. My aim is to empower my clients to improve their emotional and psychological well being and unlock their optimum quality of life. I believe that you are truly the expert in your own life and I work with my clients with this principle in mind. Sometimes life can run away from us and we need to ground ourselves, refocus and move forwards.

Hello, my name is David and I am a qualified counsellor and member of the BACP. The counselling I offer gives you an opportunity to speak openly in a safe and completely confidential space to someone who really listens, who is trained to do so and who empathises and values you, unconditionally and without judgement. I am passionate about my work and I will do my utmost to give you the highest level of personal therapy tailored to suit you and your needs. I can offer you a chance to unload from your mind some of the troubles and issues that have been getting you down or holding you back, and help you view them in a new light.

Are you looking to make sense of things?  We seek counselling for a number of reasons including anxiety, trauma, depression, loss, stress, relationship difficulties - but also to gain a greater understanding of the ‘self’ and improve psychological well-being. Mostly and put simply, we want to learn to feel better about ourselves.

I understand how daunting it can be to begin counselling. Whatever you’re struggling with, be it depression, grief, self-esteem or relationship issues, we can look at the jigsaw pieces of your life together, to help you gain clarity. This may involve exploring the past to identify patterns in emotions and behaviours which shine a light on current issues. You may be grappling with life’s meaning after bereavement, a relationship breakdown or job loss. Any kind of loss can have a huge impact on our mental wellbeing. I work with you to help you make sense of things & find meaning and purpose in order to move forward and feel less lost.

Are you experiencing depression, low self esteem, problems maintaining relationships? Are issues such as past trauma or grief affecting your quality of life? Counselling may help you. I will provide you with a warm, confidential, safe and non-judgemental space to explore your concerns. I will listen, support and sometimes challenge you as we explore your present, your past and how the two are linked, helping you to make sense of your emotions and move forward when you feel stuck.

Many of us suffer from anxiety, depression and stress during our lives. We may even experience trauma. As a person-centred counsellor trained in a pluralistic model, I have worked with various issues that people deal with on a daily basis. Therapy is a shared endeavour where a safe, open and non-judgemental space is essential to the therapy process.

Do you need someone to talk too? Are you lonely, depressed or having relationship issues? Sometimes having an impartial listener can help you to see new ways of coping or overcoming the problems you are facing. As a qualified and registered counsellor I am able to provide a safe and supportive environment to explore any issues you feel are causing difficulty in your life. I pride myself on being non-judgmental and welcome everyone, whatever your background may be, to explore ways in which to make your life better. I am passionate about helping people to see that tomorrow can be better than today.

Every individual is unique and we all respond to our environment in different and unique ways. We all deserve to be heard and within each one of us is the ability to change, transform and evolve. One of the most insightful things I’ve learnt as a mental health practitioner is that we are products of our thoughts, experiences and environment. How we think affects our worldview and determines our success in life. Our thoughts affect our physical and mental health and this may have significant impact on our present and future. We will work together to explore your feelings and how to manage your thoughts and relationships.

I'm an experienced Accredited Counsellor. The BACP award says I'm "working to a higher standard as a competent and ethical independent practitioner". I run the private practice following experience with NHS and leading mental health charity MIND; thus, I'm able to provide what is needed. I've worked with low self-esteem, isolation, depression, anxiety (health, claustrophobia, phobias), panic, confusion, bereavement, life changes, relationships, OCD, abuse, trauma, complex trauma, problems with belonging and/or sense of self. I offer face to face, online video and telephone sessions. I will be able to offer a therapy dog soon!

Are You Ready to change? Do you feel stuck in a rut? Would you like to change things but don’t know how? Or do you feel lost and unsure at the moment? It can be difficult and uncomfortable to change things in your life but it might be just what you need. You do not need to be ‘mad’ to seek therapy or counselling, many people who are in therapy are lost, unsure or stuck like you and need a change in their lives.

Feeling nobody quite "Gets YOU?" Impulsive, disorganised, head scrambled, masking due to ADHD/ASD? Drugs or alcohol used to self medicate, relax or cope with stress but now noticed its getting out of control?  Anxiety and panic attacks starting to control your life but not sure the trigger? Or do you just have a sense something is wrong but struggle to open up or express how you feel to your partner, family or friends? The beauty of talking to a counsellor is I am neutral and independent of your situation which can make it easier to open up and explore your feelings and thoughts.

Sometimes life can feel like a struggle, provoking anxiety, distress and confusion. You may feel that something needs to change, but are unsure of which direction to take. Maybe you already know what you need but would welcome a little support and clarity to enable you to move forward. Perhaps you have experienced a significant life event, either recently or in the past, that has derailed you? Bereavement, relationships, work and health are among the many concerns that can be de-stabilising. Counselling can help to untangle past or current concerns that are causing you to feel low or isolated.

Are you struggling with your mental health? Even the strongest of people can feel stuck, lost, fragile, or battle with their mental health. Whatever struggle you may be facing, whether it's addiction, anxiety, depression, stress, grief or self esteem, I can be here each week to walk alongside you on your journey. I wouldn't be offering advice, but I can offer a safe, supportive, non judgmental space to work together with the challenges you are facing. I may at times offer suggestions which I feel may be a support to you and you would have the choice to make use of those. Everything I offer will always be at the pace you need.

Are you experiencing negative thoughts, unpleasant emotions, feeling stressed, anxious, or low? Perhaps you are going through a difficult time in your life and in need of support? Are confused, struggling to find meaning, purpose and direction or find a way through? Having problems with work or relationships? If so, my training in mindfulness, self-compassion, integrative psychotherapeutic counselling and 15 years experience, enables me to weave together an approach that can best help you meet difficulties with more clarity, kindness and resourcefulness, while empowering you to make the choices and changes you are looking to make.