Approaches

Person-centered Counselling

This approach, developed by Carl Rogers, is built on empathy, active listening, and unconditional positive regard. The therapist provides non-judgmental support, creating a safe and nurturing environment where clients feel free to explore their thoughts and feelings. The focus is on empowering the client, believing that they have the capacity for self-directed growth and healing when provided with the right conditions.

"I regret it when I suppress my feelings too long and they burst forth in ways that are distorted or attacking or hurtful" (Carl Rogers)

Psycho-Dynamic

This approach focuses on exploring unconscious processes, particularly how early life experiences and relationships shape current behavior and emotions. By bringing unconscious thoughts and feelings to awareness, clients can gain greater insight into deep-rooted patterns that affect their lives today. The goal is to help individuals understand and resolve internal conflicts, leading to lasting emotional change and a deeper self-understanding.

"Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life and you will call it fate" (Carl Jung)

ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy)

ACT is an evidence-based approach that promotes psychological flexibility. It helps clients develop the ability to stay present and open to their experiences, even difficult ones, rather than trying to avoid or control them. ACT focuses on six core processes:

· Defusion (learning to observe thoughts without being ruled by them),

· Acceptance (making space for uncomfortable feelings instead of resisting them),

· Present moment awareness (staying grounded in the here and now),

· Self-as-context (viewing yourself from a broader perspective beyond just your thoughts and feelings),

· Values (clarifying what is most meaningful to you),

· Committed action (taking steps guided by those values).

This approach incorporates mindfulness and draws from evolutionary psychology, offering practical tools and exercises to help individuals live a more meaningful and fulfilling life.

"Letting the radio play on without giving it much attention is very different from actively trying to ignore it." (Russ Harris)