Philsophy  

My Approach to Counselling

My approach to counselling is based on the Satir Model of Counselling integrated with other theories. The Satir model sees each individual as unique and as a spiritual, emotional and physical being. Using the metaphor of an iceberg, I see people as living with only their behaviours and ways of coping peeking above the water line. Below the water line are our feelings, feelings about feelings, expectations, perceptions, yearnings and, at the deepest level, our spiritual self. When people are having difficulties or what we so often refer to as “issues”, this indicates that they are often out of touch with what is going on below the surface and need to reconnect to this place.

We have learned many things from our past and we can learn new things to change those that have not been effective.

Often people, couples or families feel stuck in unhealthy patterns, but find it difficult to know how to change. Counselling helps to discover old and new patterns within relationships and address those.

Working with children that are under 10, I usually use play therapy and sand tray therapy techniques to access, understand and help them overcome difficult feelings. I will spend at least the first session just getting to know the child and becoming comfortable with them. I prefer to have the guardian or parent present so that we are all aware of the changes that are taking place and any helpful information that needs to be passed back and forth. There may be exceptions to this according to the circumstances.

Adolescences are often treated in a similar manner to adults with a bit more relaxed approach & expectations are adjusted according to age. Adolescents usually prefer that their parents are not present for counselling, unless it is a family session, and I will honour that. It is important that parents will honour the confidentiality of the youth unless there is something that puts them or others in danger. I usually recommend that we have a family session at some point to complete the therapy & ensure that family relationships are enhanced as a result of what has taken place. It is understandable that this is not always possible.