dulwich counselling
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How does counselling work? leaves_pic
A counsellor meets with their 'client' on a regular basis, working to help them gain a greater self-awareness of their thoughts, feelings and behaviour and then find ways to make positive changes. This talking therapy may be used to focus on and work with a specific difficulty or problem although this is often underpinned or intertwined with other aspects of the person's life.
The counselling process provides an opportunity to unravel and explore these personal issues in a private, confidential and non-judgemental setting.
Counselling can be either short-term or be longer-term, to enable work at a greater depth. Some people find that just a few sessions helps them to tackle something that had led to them feeling 'stuck'.
What style of counselling is used?
My approach is integrative, with the most effective approach used to meet your needs. This is underpinned by a humanistic philosophy that assumes the capacity of each person to shape their own life. I draw from person-centred, existential and cognitive-behavioural therapies, with an emphasis on empowering the individual. 
What about specialist experience?

I have particular expertise in bereavement (I was a hospice counsellor), loss, trauma, employment issues, problems with addictive behaviours, drugs, alcohol (nine years in the substance misuse field, in NHS and non-statutory sector community teams during the 1990s). I have provided focused, short-term counselling for many years with workplace counselling services (employee assistance programmes/EAPs) and health insurers.

From 2002, I focused on workplace and organisational issues such work-related stress, bullying and mediation. I provided regular support for HMP staff working with sex offenders for over five years and facilitated specialised support groups for those in criminal justice roles that exposed them to distressing material and images. 

I have managed over 140 critical incidents including working with those affected by a number of London terrorist attacks, providing post-trauma support. I have worked on-site in a wide range of organisational settings following traumatic incidents that included railway fatalities, assaults on staff and suicides, working with individuals and groups as well as providing support and guidance to managers.

Most of my work now is individual long and short term therapy, helping with a broad range of difficulties including stress, anxiety, loss, depression and relationship issues.

How are the highest standards of counselling ensured?
As part of my professional responsibility to my clients and as required by the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) for a senior accredited therapist, I regularly receive formal clinical supervision from a highly experienced practitioner. I also regularly undertake training as part of my commitment to continuing professional development.
What about confidentiality?
As a senior accredited member of the BACP, I work within their Ethical Framework. Apart from exceptional circumstances such as risk of harm to a third party, confidentiality is only breached with the explicit consent of the client or when the counsellor is required to do so by law.
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