Mental Health Support for women

One of the biggest problem women face, generally speaking, is men (or the patriarchy at least). So often the idea of coming to see a male therapist can feel counter-intuitive. In some cases it most definitely is, but often seeing a male therapist can be therapeutically beneficial in and ofitself.

Before making that decision though it is important to get a feel of the type of therapy that is provided and whether this is the right fit for you.

Often we need someone who is on our level with shared characteristics, but sometimes stepping outside of that comfort zone can be important too. And, if we are to do that, we must make sure the person we're stepping out with understands the daily challenges we face.

Whilst everyone's problems in life are individual to them, there are shared challenges within specific groups of people.

For women there are often issues around identity; trauma; abuse; motherhood; grief and loss; self worth; menopause; and putting their needs before those of others - to name a small few. In therapeutic terms these things can often cloud our self-image and our understanding of what it truly means to be ourselves.

Many women need a safe place to step away from all the roles they have taken on or been given or assigned and find a space where they can breathe and get in touch with who they are, with no judgement, blame or expectations of being or acting a certain way. With me I support you to I value who you truly are, not what anyone expects from you.

How I work with women

My approach to counselling is known as "Integrative" and I primarily work with Person Centred and Psychodynamic techniques. In practice this means you are at the heart of the conversation, you direct the work. But if you don't know which direction we're heading - we work that out together. It can sometimes mean dealing with issues in your past, but sometimes it is also looking at the present and what is occurring in your day to day life. Sometimes change is required, but not always, and sometimes you just need someone to see things from your point of view. We work based on the needs you present, not the needs and expectations of others. This is your space for you, and no-one else. I put you in the centre, the only requirement is that you to do the same.

Is this the right fit for you?

Client Focussed

You are at the centre of any therapy we approach together. Whether that means we focus on areas that are uncomfortable to deal with, or pick apart the indepth feelings you're experiencing, I respond to your needs as they present themselves, in a non-directive way.

Safety

Safety is at the heart of counselling. If a client doesn't feel safe then any work we do together is not going to get very far. That's why I offer women 1 free 30 minute telephone session to speak with them in detail before we begin, to find out and assess what their requirements are before we embark on any work together and to give them opportunity to ask any question of me they wish.

Patient

"I don't know..." is a state many of us find outselves in when asked the question "How are you?". There's no pressure in this environment to be a certain way, say a certain thing or have all the answers. Whatever brings you to counselling, even if it's just a feeling, you have the space to find out more about yourself at your own pace. There are no requirements past a willingness to reflect on your self and state of mind.