This page explains a little about the way I work and how I view the counselling process .
I am a qualified integrative counsellor which means I draw on different approaches to suit your needs. I work alongside you (through telephone, indoor and outdoor therapy sessions) to understand how you are experiencing life right now. I provide a warm, accepting and genuine therapeutic relationship for you to explore your thoughts and feelings, and move towards greater self-awareness and fulfilment.
Psychotherapy consists of a gradually unfolding process wherein the therapist attempts to know the patient as fully as possible.
Irvin Yalom, The Gift of therapy
I view the counselling process as an opportunity for you to become more aware of your thoughts, feelings and experiences which provides the opportunity to open up and grow – rather like an unfurling fern. My role in our counselling is similar to a fellow traveller. I will accompany you on your “journey”, holding a safe space and attempting to fully understand your experience and the things that are dissatisfying or holding you back from where you want to be. I bring my knowledge, experience, intuition and perspective into our work, and together we can find the “tools” that help you gain greater awareness and choice in how you live.
I work mainly from a person-centred approach which means I focus on how you are experiencing life right here and now. I support you to lead your counselling in the direction that feels right for you. I also use existential ideas to explore themes of responsibility, choice, freedom and meaning in life. I offer both indoor and outdoor sessions, and creative techniques to explore particular issues which can bring a new perspective on what you are experiencing.
Want to know more?
I offer a free initial meeting to talk through what you want from counselling and to find out if we can work together. Contact me to arrange a session.
Louise Allen - Fern Counselling 