Counselling
Upon escaping from an abusive environment people often feel confused, struggle with low self-esteem, identity issues and feel like the departure has left them with a huge void in their life. My aim as a counsellor is to help clients make sense of their experience, work through trauma caused by it, and rebuild their lives and identity.
I am an integrative therapist and I often use psycho-educational tools in therapy as a way of helping people understand what has happened to them. This may involve examining and discussing handouts on topics such as gas lighting, brainwashing/mind control and persuasion techniques to expose the processes of manipulation in a relationship or abusive group. Alongside this process it is common for other challenging live experiences to be exposed and past clients have also used their therapy to explore issues such as loss/grief or their childhood.
All sessions are client led and I work to the ethical framework of the National Society for Counselling and Psychotherapy, which requires therapists have the following principles:
Working towards the good of clients and doing no harm
(Beneficence and Non-maleficence) Practitioners hold the welfare of clients central to their work and so commit to avoiding harm.
Being trustworthy and responsible (Fidelity)
Practitioners endeavour to establish trust with their clients and the community in which they work. Therefore, practitioners not only honour the trust placed in them by their clients and the community but also act in a respectful, professional and ethical manner when representing their profession.
Respect for the dignity and rights of the client (Autonomy)
Clients have the right to self-determination and to be shown dignity and respect for making their own lawful decisions (where applicable consideration of Gillick competence and reference to Fraser Guidelines may be required).
Justice
Practitioners are aware of their own judgements based on their own experiences and need to take precautions (supervision) to provide a service that is not restricted by their own prejudice and limitations of experience. This also means showing respect for diversity of persons, without prejudice to colour, race, belief, gender, sexuality, social context, and mental and physical abilities.
Integrity and self-responsibility
Practitioners work to be as honest, truthful and accurate as possible. They are also responsible for looking after their own needs and health. So, a practitioner will only commit to a practice that they can offer being aware of own expertise, training, health and wellbeing and let the client know if anything changes.
I am currently offering online video counselling which I ask for £60 per 50 minute session (Price may differ if paid for by third party). I am able to counsel International clients too.