Counselling, Psychotherapy and EMDR

Practitioners: Christine Pearson

What is Psychotherapy/Counselling?

Therapy takes place within the relationship between you and your therapist, in a controlled framework, outside of the usual social conventions. Psychotherapists will not generally reveal personal details or opinions, nor attempt to provide direct solutions to your problems. Rather, they aim to provide a safe space for you to explore your concerns and gain clarity and insight into your thoughts, emotions and behaviour.

One of the benefits of therapy is that you are working with someone who is skilled in helping you find the root of the problem and guiding you to your own innate strengths. Another is that working with someone removed from your family, friends and colleagues means that you do not have to entertain them, protect them from your painful experiences or even allow feelings of shame to prevent you from expressing yourself. Here the focus is on you, how your experiences have affected you and how you create meaning in your life.

To address a specific concern, you may want to engage in a short-term piece of work lasting 8-12 weekly sessions.

However, the problem is not always apparent: there may just be a general sense that things are not right. In this case it is a worthwhile investment in your wellbeing to commit to a year or more of weekly sessions.

Your therapy is confidential. This confidentiality is strictly observed by your therapist and will only be broken in extreme circumstances, such as if the welfare of a child is in question or if there is threat of serious harm to self or others. This is a rare occurrence and in such situations every attempt is made to speak to you about it first.

What is EMDR?

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It is a form of therapy that is extremely effective and efficient at dealing with traumatic memories and allowing your mind and body to process them, thus freeing you from the painful emotions and flashbacks that can result from a traumatic experience.

It has been extensively tested and is recommended under the NICE guidelines (National Institute for Clinical Excellence). It is used in conjunction with standard psychotherapy.

What should I expect?

The first meeting comprises an assessment, to gather information about you and your experiences, and for both you and your therapist to get a sense of how you can best work together for your benefit.

At this point you will go through the Contract setting out the terms and agreements of your work with your therapist. If it is apparent at this point that you would be best served by another course of action, then your therapist will make recommendations for your referral elsewhere.

Long- or short-term counselling falls roughly into three separate phases; beginning, middle and end. In the beginning phase you and your therapist are getting a sense of each other and the way in which you will be working together. In the middle some painful emotions can arise as you delve deeper into your concerns, although it is by no means always difficult. This middle phase is where most of the process of change happens and the solutions and insights emerge from your interaction. In the ending phase you are working towards your being more self-contained with the benefit of new-found strengths, ready to live your life without the support of therapy once again.

Timing and Fees

50 mins session – £50

To book your appointment call us on 0800 098 8867 or click here

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Hypnotherapy
Emotional Freedom Technique
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