Mindfulness-Based (MBCT) Counselling in RG5
I am a psychotherapeutic counsellor with a comprehensive background in psychology, hypnotherapy, pluralistic counselling, emotional clearing and mindfulness. I provide a safe and confidential space where you can explore your thoughts and feelings without judgement.
I am a psychotherapeutic counsellor with a comprehensive background in psychology, hypnotherapy, pluralistic counselling, emotional clearing and mindfulness. I provide a safe and confidential space where you can explore your thoughts and feelings without judgement.
I have worked with people who experience mild to severe difficulties and have extensive experience in evidence based therapies including CBT, EMDR, Compassion Focussed Therapy, Mindfulness, DBT informed therapy, and Psychodynamic approaches.
I offer a thoughtful and valuing presence, combined with expertise and experience to help you go beyond low mood, feeling stuck, anxiety, and trauma. With over 20 years experience in psychology I support people to create more loving relationships, align with their purpose, achieve career success, and experience greater inner peace and fulfilment. For clients open to spirituality, I offer an approach that integrates both psychology and spirituality. I provide a safe, supportive, confidential space to help us make sense of your situation, and bridge the gap between where you are and where you would like to be.
I have worked with people who experience mild to severe difficulties and have extensive experience in evidence based therapies including CBT, EMDR, Compassion Focussed Therapy, Mindfulness, DBT informed therapy, and Psychodynamic approaches.
I offer a thoughtful and valuing presence, combined with expertise and experience to help you go beyond low mood, feeling stuck, anxiety, and trauma. With over 20 years experience in psychology I support people to create more loving relationships, align with their purpose, achieve career success, and experience greater inner peace and fulfilment. For clients open to spirituality, I offer an approach that integrates both psychology and spirituality. I provide a safe, supportive, confidential space to help us make sense of your situation, and bridge the gap between where you are and where you would like to be.
My Clients over the last 18 years have ranged from having simple symptoms ( i.e. sleep disturbances, anxiety about interviews or social anxiety ) to severe symptoms (i.e. severe depression, insomnia, PTSD, OCD, Borderline Personality or sexual abuse). My clients are looking for tools that will help them reduce or eliminate those symptoms but they are also wanting to develop long term functional habits that will help them lead a healthier life. Most of my clients are highly functional but they are struggling with emotional issues in their relationships with childhood abuse, addictions, fears, self-esteem and others.
My Clients over the last 18 years have ranged from having simple symptoms ( i.e. sleep disturbances, anxiety about interviews or social anxiety ) to severe symptoms (i.e. severe depression, insomnia, PTSD, OCD, Borderline Personality or sexual abuse). My clients are looking for tools that will help them reduce or eliminate those symptoms but they are also wanting to develop long term functional habits that will help them lead a healthier life. Most of my clients are highly functional but they are struggling with emotional issues in their relationships with childhood abuse, addictions, fears, self-esteem and others.
Hello and welcome! My name is Alex and I offer in-person sessions in Reading (town centre), or online via zoom. I am a fully qualified, BACP-registered, counsellor with a proven track record of helping people work through all kinds of problems. I think that part of the problem we all share is that we grew up in a society that didn't really understand human emotions. Thus, we quickly learned that emotions are a problem and that the only proper way of dealing with them is to shut them off, brush them under the carpet and put on a brave face.
Hello and welcome! My name is Alex and I offer in-person sessions in Reading (town centre), or online via zoom. I am a fully qualified, BACP-registered, counsellor with a proven track record of helping people work through all kinds of problems. I think that part of the problem we all share is that we grew up in a society that didn't really understand human emotions. Thus, we quickly learned that emotions are a problem and that the only proper way of dealing with them is to shut them off, brush them under the carpet and put on a brave face.
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Mindfulness-Based (MBCT) Counsellors
How does mindfulness-based cognitive therapy work?
Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy originated in the work of John Kabat-Zinn of the University of Massachusetts Medical School. He developed mindfulness-based stress reduction, which is a technique found in yoga and meditation. MBCT is a combination of this type of stress reduction and cognitive behavioral therapy; it essentially quiets emotional distress through mindfulness, utilizing proper breathing and meditation. These techniques aim to bring the individual into the present moment when in a state of distress.
When do I know if I need treatment with mindfulness-based cognitive therapy?
If an individual’s mind is filled with emotional distress and general negativity, the person may feel trapped. A mindfulness-based cognitive therapist can help a person change their thinking patterns as well as their behaviour through calm acceptance and compassion. This therapy can provide an individual with the coping skills needed for a healthier and more constructive life.
What should I expect from mindfulness-based cognitive therapy?
This therapy often takes place in group sessions. A therapist will work with the group as well as with each individual. Meditation and breathing exercises are core practices that aim to invite inquiry and discovery into a person’s troubled mental state. The objective is to identify and lessen negative thoughts and behaviours and move toward optimal health and productivity. The individual will see life in a more realistic way. This therapy is supportive, accepting, and warm.
Is mindfulness-based cognitive therapy effective?
Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy is evidence-based and effective. One study found that people with major depressive disorder have benefitted from this type of therapy; the person accepts their distressed thoughts and also moves into healthier patterns of thinking. This therapy also aims to move an individual away from automatic negative responses. This type of therapy can bring a person lifelong change, with higher levels of satisfaction, less stress, as well as positive emotional and behavioural habits.