Colin B.
How would you describe your approach to counselling?
Person-Centred. I’m the counsellor but you’re in charge. I’ll work with you on the issues you want to explore. I’ll encourage you to talk. I’ll help you reflect on your feelings in a safe, accepting, non-judgemental space. I know how much it can help to express your inner most thoughts and feelings. The person-centred approach is about self-discovery and achieving your full potential. It’s about everything that makes you who you are and focuses on you as a unique individual and your relationship with the world around you.
What do you think are the most important factors in the counselling relationship?
The relationship between you and your counsellor is the therapy. So, it’s vital that you feel able to be open, explore your feelings and talk about what you need to talk about. As your counsellor, I’ll offer you authenticity, empathy, and unconditional positive regard, accepting you as you are. In therapy you become more self-aware and self-trusting, so, you can find your own solutions. Once you have discovered these abilities, you will be better able to handle difficult situations in the future.
Do you have any special interests or client groups that you work a lot with?
Abandonment issues Anxiety Bereavement Depression Abuse Addiction Disability Emotional-Regulation Estrangement Identity Issues, Long-term health conditions Loss and Grief Low self-esteem MS Narcissistic abuse Neurodivergence, including, Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia. Relationships Intrusive thoughts Trauma / PTSD Victims of crime Work and career issues
What do you enjoy most about your work as a counsellor?
Many things and especially the moment when the person I’m listening to starts talking to me (and to themselves) like they’re someone they really care about.
Tell us something interesting about yourself.
I have a border collie, her name is Cwtch. She was born in Neath; my partner and I thought she should have a Welsh name. I’d just watched Under Milk Wood (the one with Michael Sheen as the First Voice, and Tom Jones as Captain Cat), ‘maybe we could name her after one of the characters’ my partner said, ‘not Captain Cat’ I said, ‘what about Polly Garter?’ (Katherine Jenkins) my partner said. ‘What about Mrs Ogmore-Pritchard?’ (Charlotte Church) I said. There was a pause. ‘What about Cwtch’ I said.