How does counselling work?
A counsellor meets with their 'client' on a regular basis, working to help them gain a greater self-awareness of their thoughts, feelings and behaviour and then find ways to make positive changes. This talking therapy may be used to focus on and work with a specific difficulty or problem although this is often underpinned or intertwined with other aspects of the person's life. The counselling process provides an opportunity to unravel and explore these personal issues in a private, confidential and non-judgemental setting.
What style of counselling is used?
The counselling is integrative, which means that the most effective approach is used to meet the needs of each client. This is underpinned by a humanistic philosophy that assumes the capacity of each individual to shape her or his own life. Derek's practice draws from cognitive-behavioural (which can help clients explore ways of thinking, how this affects their behaviour and how, for example, to break self-defeating patterns), Gestalt (a holistic approach with concepts such as the need to complete 'unfinished business') and existential therapies. He has also undergone training to practise life coaching so can integrate this into his approach when this suits the client's way of working.
How are the highest standards of counselling ensured?
As part of his professional responsibility to his clients and as required by the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) for an accredited practitioner, Derek regularly receives formal clinical supervision from a highly experienced practitioner.
What about confidentiality?
As an accredited member of the BACP, Derek works within their Ethical Framework. Apart from exceptional circumstances such as risk of harm to a third party, confidentiality is only breached with the explicit consent of the client or when the counsellor is required to do so by law.