How I can help

 

Single Session Therapy: 1 session.

Although single session therapy implies a “one and done” style, that’s not necessarily the case. Although you are welcome to request a single session, more help will always be available to those that want it. In a single session therapy (SST) appointment we will correspond together before hand to form a plan for the content of our session. With a clear idea of what you would like to and can reasonably achieve within the frame of a 50 minute session, important progress can still be made. With focused goals and appropriate after care a single session can often be more than enough to get you back on track and in a more positive frame of mind.

 

Short-Term Therapy: 8 - 12 sessions.

It is possible to achieve great things in a short time with counselling. Phobias, anxiety and panic attacks are all well within the scope of a 3 month course. In cases where the aims of the therapy might be less clear, part of our earliest work will be to establish an attainable goal. For those who struggle to cope, better tools and techniques for reducing anxiety and stress can be implemented. We can work together to challenge self-destructive habits and thought patterns. This will allow you to reaffirm your autonomy and give you the tools to continue with your own recovery and development.

 

Long-Term Therapy: 12+ sessions.

Some issues might require more time. In instances of prolonged distress and trauma it can be extremely helpful to have a consistent, reliable source of emotional support outside of our friends and family. Whilst long term therapy might cover many different problems, it will still be an important part of our work to establish clear goals for progress.

No course of therapy is binding, and it is important to be adaptable. If at any point you wish to review your aims and commitment to therapy, you will be able to do so. Sessions will be weekly in the majority of cases. However, in times of extreme distress it is possible to request twice weekly sessions. Conversely, you may feel that you still want therapy but are able to cope more effectively outside of our sessions or simply want more time to put our work into practice. In these cases it is possible to have 1 session every other week.

Examples of issues we can work with:

  • Anxiety

  • Depression

  • Panic Attacks

  • Phobias

  • Social Anxiety & Isolation

  • Stress

  • Anger

  • Motivation

  • Difficulty regulating emotions

  • Emotional numbness

  • Problems with initiating or maintaining friendships and relationships

  • Addiction

  • Substance abuse

  • Paranoia

  • Suicidal thoughts or ideation

  • Self-Esteem & Self-worth

  • Emotional, Physical or Sexual abuse

  • Domestic abuse or violence

  • Trauma & PTSD

  • Grief & Bereavement

For any problems that I feel I'm unsuitable to deal with, I will be able to assist you in finding the exact help and support you need. The decision to continue our work or to look elsewhere will be down to you.

 

How I work.

As an Integrative Therapist I have been trained in many different kinds of counselling. These include Gestalt, Person Centred, Psychodynamic, Transactional Analysis and Cognitive Behavioural therapies. This allows me to adapt my approach to the unique needs of every client. In all cases it is my aim to establish a close, trusting partnership with my clients. It is important that you are able have confidence in my ability to help you deal with any problem you might bring to the session. It is also essential that we reach a sufficient level of trust so that no feeling, thought or emotion should be too unbearable for you to discuss. This work can be challenging and intensely personal. If at any point you have doubts with the way the work is proceeding, I would always want to hear them. I am as comfortable challenging clients who wish to be challenged as I am simply listening and emotionally holding those who need a space to be heard. I have often found that people need both.

 

Taking the first step.

Before your first assessment session I feel it's always helpful for us to speak over the phone. It's important that you be as familiar and comfortable with me as possible before we begin our work. It can be an important factor in deciding whether or not you wish to work with me. I might not be the right person for you, so it's easier (and cheaper) for you to get a sense of who I am over the phone. We can also discuss any questions or worries you may have before you commit to a first meeting. To organise a phone call please email henry@hwcounselling.com.