Christine Lilley Dip. Couns., Dip. Supn., MBACP (Snr Acc), UKRCP

What Counselling Can Offer You and What To Expect From Our Work Together

Firstly, counselling is a talking therapy. It is an opportunity, not many of us allow ourselves, when we can take time out in our busy lives to be truly heard by someone, outside of our work, family and friends, without interruption or judgement.

A counsellor has the advantage of training in reflecting upon what is being said and exploring issues in depth.

They will not be shocked or unable to cope with what you may bring, and in this safe place you are able to talk about issues, possibly for the first time, rather than bottling things up or shutting them away.

Counselling can support you to gain perspective about an issue or to help you make a decision that hitherto has proved difficult. Whilst a counsellor does not give direct advice, gaining clarity and a clearer sense of self allows you to move ahead into the future.

It can support you to face loss and change in your life.

Perhaps you have a negative view of yourself or others, repeating patterns of failed relationships or feeling you do not fit in. A counsellor can support you to evaluate this and to seek to understand why these life events have come about so that you move on, knowing yourself better.

Coming to counselling is about a desire to shed light on what is going on in your life; taking that step to gain support in dealing with whatever issue or difficulty you are facing.
It is your unique journey.

Our Work Together

I work with clients using a variety of appropriate therapeutic techniques, including some cognitive behavioural ideas, but my underlying perspective is psychodynamic coupled with an understanding of psychological development.

I offer an initial session of approximately one and a quarter hours. This gives us the opportunity to begin to look at the issues concerning you and also to decide whether we should work together.

Subsequent sessions are one hour long and where possible weekly, to offer continuity and support.

It is important for you to feel you are in the driving seat and to feel you are getting what you need from the work. To this end, sessions are open-ended, unless agreed beforehand, with regular reviews and with us being able to talk openly about endings as we move towards the completion of our work together. In order for you to have time to reflect that you are ready to do this, you may find it helpful to say meet fortnightly and then monthly for a short time if you wish.

If you would like more information or to make an appointment please:

Tel: 01787 478153

email: c.lilley@live.co.uk


Useful Links

WebHealer*

British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy*

United Kingdom Register of Counsellors and Psychotherapists*

Counselling Directory*