Oxford Counselling Centre, The Old Music Hall, Cowley Road, Oxford, OX4 1JE
Counselling
Counselling provides a safe and confidential space for clients to explore their difficulties, give them a chance to be heard without being judged. Through listening attentively, empathy, enquiry, sometimes explaining certain feelings, behaviours, patterns (psychoeducation), the counsellor helps a client to become more self-aware, self-accepting, see more options, make better choices, find meaning in everyday life. There is also space to practise difficult conversations or try out new behaviours etc. in the safety of counselling room.
There are many different modalities in counselling. During my studies I explored Person Centred, Gestalt and Transactional Analysis, but I am also interested in the Existential approach, and any others which may help me to better understand my client. My therapeutic work is holistic and relational. I look at the whole person with their different aspects: physical, emotional, intellectual, spiritual, social, political and ecological etc.
I do not believe that there is one model of therapy which suits everyone. The most important element is the quality of the relationship between the therapist and client. Finding someone you can really trust is essential.