Ashleigh | Counsellor and Psychotherapist

Introduction

Making the first step and looking for a counsellor to work with can feel scary and overwhelming. It’s hard to know what to say or what to expect, especially if you have not had counselling before. 

Building a safe and trusting relationship with your counsellor is important. It can take time to do this, but it is important that you feel comfortable enough with them in the beginning to start on that journey.

I offer a safe space, where you will be truly listened to without expectation or judgement. This allows my clients to feel comfortable in being open and honest so that they can get the most out of their sessions.

Counselling sessions are a time for you. They are to be used in a way that you feel will be helpful. This means that you decide what you want to explore during each session. It is an opportunity for you to look at past events and how they are impacting the present, explore thoughts and emotions or find new coping strategies. 

My sessions are tailored to each client, this means that they look different for everyone. Being in counselling, there are twists and turns along the way and no two sessions are the same. There may be times where sessions may feel challenging and others where you feel like you’re moving forwards in a way you did not expect and that the dots are starting to join together. 

How I work

It is my role to support you to gain a deeper understanding of each other's worlds and develop your ability to make the changes that you want to make. Together, we will explore your thoughts and feelings at a pace that feels comfortable for you.  

As an Integrative Counsellor and Psychotherapist, the way that I work combines counselling skills and personal characteristics with theory and professional experience. As my practice is tailored to each client’s individual needs, the theories and methods drawn on vary, however may include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Psychodynamic, Person Centred, Humanistic and Existential Therapies. My practice is inclusive of all sexualities and gender identities. 

I am BACP registered, which means my work is underpinned by ethical guidelines for practice. 

What to expect

My approach is relaxed, authentic and empathic, offering safety for you to explore what brings you to therapy.Talking through your experiences in a confidential space without judgement or opinion can be the first step into developing insight into yourself and what you need to move forward. Working together, we can recognise and find meaning in patterns that are useful and those that are not, explore emotions, understand values and explore the meaning of past experiences and how they can inform the present.

The way I approach working with relationships aligns with my individual therapy style, however, having specific training in this area allows me to open this up to the dynamics of relationships. I offer a safe space for honest conversations, where each person can be heard and balance can be found without taking sides.

Couples or relationship therapy can help to work through a wide range of issues such as communication, coping with change, deepening connection, rebuilding trust or navigating separation. Your relationship does not have to be in crisis to seek therapy, but can be a way of coming together to make positive changes to your relationship.

My work is inclusive of all relationship styles and structures including ethically non-monogamous and LGBTQ+ relationships.  

Please feel free to contact me with any questions you might have about the process or how I work.