Mark | Therapist

Introduction

Hi, my name is Mark and my aim in therapy is to offer you a safe open space to be yourself and come as you are, with whatever issue you happen to bring. I consider my approach to be down to earth and challenging whilst remaining diplomatic and professinal.

Coming to therapy is a huge step for most people and I will do my best to make you feel at ease and help you build a working relationship with me built on trust, without feeling judged and able to have a voice where you feel validated listened to and understood with empathy.

People seek counselling for many reasons. Some struggle with an immediate issue, a change in circumstances or a bereavement which can cause depression or anxiety. Others face traits of behavior they feel unable to tolerate any longer ie anger issues or addictions which usually mask a deeper cause. My job is to help you get to and help solve the core issues so you can think, feel and function in a healthy manner and relate to yourself and others without hiding behind a mask.

For some people a few sessions is all they require to gain some clarity by talking to someone neutral who can give an objective insight. Others may benefit from a longer journey peeling off the layers and allowing the process of counselling to take its course as they begin to discover themselves and find the true self they always knew was there. 

Counselling is about a relationship and I am there to be a sounding board who facilitates change by being a non-judgmental empathic partner without hiding away from the need to challenge you. Short-term or long-term my goal is to get you moving forward where you're feeling stuck, working with you to find new ways of thinking that can change the way you see yourself and help you act in ways that can bring greater well-being. 

I work with primarily with three types of counseling the first is person-centered. This involves really listening to the client and reflecting back what they are expressing to me in various ways. This can help the client to understand their thought processes and sometimes lead to those light bulb moments where they start to see things with clarity. This style relies on the importance of building a relationship of trust which is respectful and accepting of the client and where they are presently. 

The second style is CBT Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. The focus is on helping a client alter the way they think, where irrational self-destructive thoughts are replaced by more realistic rational thoughts. For example where clients over generalize toward sweeping statements made from limited evidence, or thinking in a very black and white rigid way, when ,more flexible thinking is needed. 

The third style is called Emotionally Focused Therapy which is used when I work with couples. This style looks at the pattern of conflict a couple find themselves in and the roles they play within it, eg one person could be the pursuer who attacks while the other is the withdrawer who defends setting up a vicious cycle where the real emotions behind the cycle are not being addressed. My job is to help you put the brakes on your pattern so you can get talking to one another again as healthy adults and not escalating, behaviour perpetuating your disconnection as a couple. 

I offer 25 years experience working with individuals and couples, across a broad spectrum of issues.

If you would like to know more, or book an appointment, please send me a message via the send a message - button. 

 

Mark