Patterns that keep repeating
You might find yourself in the same argument again and again, or drawn to the same kind of relationship despite promising yourself otherwise. You might be trying to work out whether to stay or go. You might be recovering from a relationship that was controlling or abusive, and finding it hard to trust your own judgement. Or you might be navigating family relationships that leave you feeling small, responsible for everyone, or unseen.
Often the patterns that cause us pain in relationships were learnt early, as ways of staying safe or keeping connection. They made sense once. Part of the work is understanding where they came from, so that you have more choice about them now.
Relationships and who you are
Questions about relationships are often questions about identity: who am I when I'm not looking after everyone else, what do I actually want, what do I believe. Bereavement and loss can raise these questions sharply, and so can changes in faith or a growing interest in spirituality. I'm open to exploring all of this with you, whatever your background or beliefs.
How I work with this
My approach is humanistic, integrative and relational. That means the relationship between us matters too: it's a place where you can be fully yourself, and where the ways you relate can be noticed, gently, as they happen. I work alongside you rather than telling you what to do; the decisions are yours to discover.
Alongside the person-centred approach, I can offer a psychodynamic way of working, which allows links to be made from past (often childhood) experience and patterns to the issues that arise in the here and now. I sometimes use metaphor and creativity as another way in when something is hard to put into words.
What counselling can offer
Counselling can help you make sense of your feelings, behaviour and relationships. My aim is to meet the real you by offering a place where you feel accepted and heard without conditions or judgement. From there, it becomes possible to relate to others, and to yourself, with more honesty and less fear.
Practicalities
Sessions are one-to-one and can be in person in South Bristol (BS3), online or by phone. We begin with a free 30-minute meeting, and then agree a regular weekly time if you would like to go ahead. Some concessionary spaces are available for people on a lower income.