Bournemouth Relationship Counselling

My Counselling Style

There are many counselling theories and techniques, for example: person-centred; transactional analysis; Gestalt; psychodynamic; humanistic; systemic; existential—the list is endless!

Even within these approaches, each individual counsellor will have his or her own very individual style.

Most people seeking counselling are probably unaware of the variety that exists— no need to worry—I use the theories and techniques based on my experience of counselling for over five years.

I select the approach that I feel will work best for you.

If that’s good enough for you, you can stop reading now—if it’s not then here are the theories and techniques I tend to use:

· Client-centred—particularly for individual counselling, my emphasis is to let the client dictate the pace and direction of counselling

· Transactional Analysis (TA) - if you have ever said something and immediately regretted it, TA can help you understand why—if you and your partner are locked into arguments TA may offer some explanations and solutions

· Systemic—people and relationships exist within families, within societies, within cultures—all of these may have a bearing on counselling

· Techniques drawn from Assertiveness Training developed in America

· Myers Briggs Personality Type Indicators—these can help define a person’s personality and, for couples, help to understand each other’s personality and how they can adjust to work more smoothly together. If you have “Mars and Venus” issues this may be for you! See Useful Links for a free online test—the test is fun and informative but remember it’s not a substitute for counselling!

· Attachment Theory— Attachment Theory can help explain: couples with a “pursuer/distancer” relationship; eating disorders; addiction;  and much more.

· A hint of Gestalt— it’s particularly helpful in understanding and resolving loss and bereavement.

· Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) - can be used to unlearn unhelpful behaviours and feelings and replace them with new more positive behaviours and feelings.