Eleanor L.
How would you describe your approach to counselling?
I take a person-centred approach, which means I put the client at the centre of what I do and see the client as the expert in their own life. My aim is to create a warm and non-judgmental space where clients feel heard, valued, and accepted. I seek to work through the clients’ unique experiences, and work through how they affect their wellbeing and how they see their place in the world. I hope to empower the client to make their own choices for themselves as to how to move forwards and get the most out of life, living to their fullest.
What do you think are the most important factors in the counselling relationship?
I feel trust and empathy are very important factors within the counselling relationship. It’s a true privilege to work with someone as a counsellor, and for people to be open and explore their experiences and emotions with another person requires trust. I want to create an environment that feels safe, warm and genuine to allow people to talk about whatever they feel they need.
Do you have any special interests or client groups that you work a lot with?
I like to work with all clients as individuals, who have all had their own unique experiences in life. I have worked with clients from a wide variety of backgrounds and with various experiences and have learned something from every client I’ve ever worked with.
What do you enjoy most about your work as a counsellor?
It’s such an honour and a privilege to be able to step into a client’s private world and inner workings with them, and to be trusted in such a way. I believe I have seen the best of humanity in my work as a counsellor and had the opportunity to share a room with some incredibly inspiring people. Being part of someone’s journey and walking alongside them as they make empowering choices to change their life for the better and realise their own strength is an incredible thing to witness.
Tell us something interesting about yourself.
My first career was as a development scientist, working in pharmaceutical labs. I began volunteering alongside this for a charity offering emotional support to people in need and quickly realised that helping people in this way is where my true passion lies. This led the way to me qualifying as a counsellor, and I haven’t looked back since.