I integrate various evidence-based approaches into my counselling practice to best support your needs. The primary therapy styles I draw upon include:

Person-Centred Approach (Client-Centred Therapy)

• What it is: Developed by Carl Rogers, this approach emphasises your innate capacity for self-healing and growth. As your counsellor, I provide a supportive and empathetic environment characterised by unconditional positive regard (accepting and valuing you without judgment), empathy (understanding and reflecting the client's feelings and perspectives), and congruence (being authentic and real in our therapeutic relationship).

• How I use it: While I utilise specific techniques, the underlying philosophy of our interactions will always be inherently person-centred. I prioritise treating you with empathy, dignity, and respect, building strong rapport, and working in partnership with you. The focus on your individual needs, choices, and self-empowerment is central to how I engage with people seeking support.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Low-Intensity Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (LiCBT)

• What it is: CBT is a structured psychological treatment that focuses on the interconnectedness of thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. It helps you identify and challenge unhelpful or distorted thinking patterns and maladaptive behaviours that contribute to your distress. The goal is to replace these with more balanced thoughts and helpful behaviours. LiCBT is a more brief and targeted form of CBT, often delivered through guided self-help.

• How I use it: I can guide you through practical CBT-based skills to manage stress, anxiety, and low mood. This includes techniques like cognitive restructuring (challenging unhelpful thoughts), behavioural activation (increasing enjoyable activities), and relaxation techniques.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

• What it is: ACT is a mindfulness-based behavioural therapy that helps you develop psychological flexibility. Instead of trying to control or eliminate difficult thoughts and feelings, ACT encourages acceptance of these internal experiences and a commitment to taking actions aligned with your values, even in the presence of discomfort. It emphasises mindfulness, defusion (distancing from thoughts), and identifying personal values.

• How I might use it: Principles of ACT, such as acceptance of difficult emotions and taking value-driven action, can be integrated into our sessions, alongside mindfulness and relaxation exercises to help you navigate challenging emotions.

Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT) / Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)

• What it is: This approach is a goal-oriented and collaborative therapy that focuses on identifying and building upon your strengths and resources to create solutions for your problems, rather than dwelling extensively on the problems themselves or their origins. It asks questions like "What are your best hopes from these sessions?" or "What would be different if this problem were solved?"

• How I use it: Our sessions will often involve collaboratively developing a plan based on your needs, focusing on identifying what works for you and taking practical actions to move forward. This emphasis on setting goals and finding solutions aligns well with an efficient and empowering approach to counselling.

Narrative Therapy

• What it is: Narrative Therapy is a post-modern approach that helps individuals understand their lives and problems through the stories they tell. It focuses on separating people from their problems (externalising the problem), exploring the influence of dominant cultural narratives, and then collaboratively "re-authoring" new, preferred life stories that highlight their strengths, resources, and alternative possibilities.

• How I use it: In our sessions, we might explore the stories you tell about your life and your challenges. We'll work together to identify how problems might be influencing you, rather than defining you. By bringing to light forgotten strengths and new perspectives, we can co-create richer, more empowering narratives for your future.

Motivational Interviewing (MI)

• What it is: Motivational Interviewing is a collaborative, goal-oriented style of counselling designed to strengthen a person's motivation for and commitment to change. It focuses on exploring and resolving ambivalence – those conflicting feelings or thoughts that make it hard to move forward. Rather than directly telling you what to do, MI helps you discover your own reasons for change.

• How I use it: In our sessions, I'll use MI to create a supportive space where we can gently explore your thoughts and feelings about making changes. I'll listen deeply and ask open-ended questions to help you clarify your own values, identify your strengths, and build your confidence to take steps towards your goals. This approach empowers you to find your intrinsic motivation and commit to lasting positive change.

In essence, Northern Counselling Practice provides accessible, evidence-informed mental health support, often using guided self-help models rooted in CBT principles, while always maintaining a compassionate and client-focused approach to empower you on your journey to better mental health.