Counselling works well if the client feels comfortable and at ease with their Counsellor. Clients need to talk, but also want to feel heard, understood and validated by the therapist. The Client-Counsellor relationship is therefore a very important part of the process. Counselling support can help people through a difficult time and helps them focus on specific problems causing them concern. Counselling can be challenging at times, but this develops self-awareness and thus insight of the way forward.

Counselling provides the core conditions for a therapeutic relationship to develop.  Congruence, Empathy and Unconditional Positive Regard

Rapport is developed between both parties that will instil trust and improved self-confidence. Through expression of thoughts and emotions, self-awareness is increased. This therapeutic practice can lead an improved self-concept and therefore to the development of healthier communication in other significant relationships.

The Counsellor acts as a finely tuned sounding board enabling the release of any negative or worrying thoughts deliberating in the Client’s mind, left unspoken these thoughts might otherwise result in confusion, anxiety and avoidance.

Through exploring and processing previous life experiences which may have contributed to the development of personal dysfunctional assumptions, there is an opportunity to reframe and develop more helpful self-beliefs.

The therapeutic counselling relationship is focussed entirely on a client’s personal development and wellbeing.  It is a relationship that promotes the practice of the truth, personal responsibility, courage, and meaningful purpose in life, all necessary for increasing the motivation required to achieve an individual’s desired future goals.

Here at Counselling in Wirral we use an integrated approach combining the most useful elements from a wide range of therapies, the work is Client Centred specifically tailored to meet the individual’s requirements.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is concerned with the interrelatedness of cognitions, behaviours and emotions. It aims to help people identify and modify thoughts, assumptions, beliefs and behaviours that influence emotional disturbance.

CBT is a structured approach where goals are collaboratively agreed between client and therapist and much of the work goes on in between therapy sessions. The ultimate aim is to improve self-esteem, through enhanced functioning within personal relationships in work and social situations.

People tend to enquire about Therapy when they feel that ‘something is not right in their life’, their mood and energy levels can feel low and anxiety may be keeping them feeling trapped.

The mind and body recognises the overwhelming impact of too much complexity and stress.  Emotions of sadness, anger, fear and guilt may become amplified.

All this can result in constant rumination, negative thinking and even panic attacks.

In severe circumstances this may lead to the development of obsessive compulsive or eating disorders, addiction, lack of motivation and relationship difficulties.

People struggling with underlying issues, can suffer more deeply coping with trauma and loss.  Self-esteem and confidence is impacted at these critical times.

This quite often can manifest in physical symptoms.

At this point, a deep desire for change can emerge.

Mediation is a voluntary, confidential process which involves an impartial third party assisting two or more persons (parties) to find mutually agreeable solutions to difficult problems. The Mediator will not judge who is right or wrong but works with all parties in dispute to find a win/win resolution to the issues. Mediation is quick, informal and effective; it enables people in conflict to feel heard, it prepares the way for constructive communication and improves relationships.

Mediation is usually completed within one 2-3 hour session but further follow up sessions can be arranged if a variety of complex issues are presented.