Person-centred
A belief that each of us has an inbuilt capacity for growth and change - and that the counsellor’s role is to support and facilitate this, helping to remove barriers to progress. You and your lived experience are at the centre of all our work together.

Strengths-based
We all have internal strengths and external resources which have helped us to adapt and cope with life. Sometimes it doesn’t feel like we have anything to draw on, and sometimes our ways of coping may not be serving us well. We can work on this together.

Trauma-informed
The recognition that current mental suffering and patterns of behaviour can be responses to past trauma. We explore this together in gentle, sensitive stages to avoid retraumatisation.

Existential
Looking at some of the bigger picture life issues e.g. meaning, mortality, freedom and connection.

Psychodynamic and attachment theory
Exploring the legacy of early childhood attachment experiences on our current thoughts, feelings and behaviours. Identifying patterns of coping and relating to others developed in our early years, and which may not be as useful today.

Emotion-focused
Paying attention to the messages communicated by our emotions. Processing emotions to facilitate healing.

Parts work
Identifying the roles that various “parts” of our psyche play in influencing our thoughts, feelings and behaviours.

Cognitive Behavoural Therapy (CBT)
Exploring how our thoughts influence our attitudes, behaviours and emotions. Finding alternative ways to think about the issues facing us.

Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
Using the principles of mindfulness and self-compassion to work with patterns of thought and behaviour which have become stuck. Identifying values and goals to help us move forward.