Derby Psychotherapy & Counselling

read morePsychotherapy is used for issues & difficulties requiring longer term, in-depth therapy. Counselling is appropriate for issues that can be processed through focussed attention within a limited series of sessions. I believe there are two essential components of the therapeutic experience: supportive, healing contact and self-exploration. Within the confidentiality and safety of a therapeutic relationship we can explore those issues and memories closest to our hearts. At the outset of therapy this contact can bring strong feelings of relief and so encourage us to delve deeper.

read moreIt is not a thought, or an emotion. It is as substantial, as real as Essence is, because it is Essence.' Diamond Heart Book II. In the course of my journey, I have come to appreciate the simple truth that a personal, relational field of love and reverence for the client as 'Thou' (Buber, 1958) is central and crucial for the healing process in psychotherapy. One can have trained and studied the full myriad of brilliant models of psychotherapy and therapeutic approaches, but without the presence of love and a fundamental respect for the experience and essence of the other with whom we meet, I doubt if benefit can result from sessions, offered ostensibly as 'therapeutic'.

read moreI have worked within the field of human services since 1984, including 14 years as a qualified field social worker. Since 2000, I have been registered as a Psychotherapist with The United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP). In addition to my private practice, from 2004 to 2007, I was a Counsellor in the Student Counselling Service at the University of Derby. I adhere to a strict Code of Ethics and Professional Practice provided by The Sherwood Institute and UKCP. I hold a post graduate Diploma in Gestalt Psychotherapy, and an M.A. ('With Distinction') in Humanistic Person-Centred Psychotherapy.