Shane B.
How would you describe your approach to counselling?
I am a person-centred counsellor – my role is to create a space for my client to feel listened to and understood. This means that I listen to my clients in a non-judgmental, empathetic manner. I do not tell my clients how to live their life but use the time we have together to discuss how they would like their life to look like, what changes they would like to make, and what obstacles they need to negotiate to make that change.
What do you think are the most important factors in the counselling relationship?
I believe that the therapeutic relationship between client and counsellor is the key to counselling. It’s through this relationship that the client can feel encouraged to be open and honest with me and not feel judged, instead feel listened to and understood. I also believe that kindness, humour and understanding are really important factors in the relationship too.
Do you have any special interests or client groups that you work a lot with?
I have worked at Cardiff Mind since I started my placement in 2017, so I have seen a lot of clients! I have experience working with anxiety, depression, grief, suicidal ideation, self-harm, stress, hoarding, OCD, BPD and sleep issues to name a few. I have worked with paid and unpaid carers over the last few years, and through this work I have an understanding about how challenging it is to care for yourself while caring for others. I have also worked with clients who have or have a partner with Multiple Sclerosis.
What do you enjoy most about your work as a counsellor?
I really like people – I’m curious to get to know and understand them, which really helps my work as a counsellor. We are all different which makes the work interesting – we all experience mental health issues in unique ways – so no 2 clients are the same!
Tell us something interesting about yourself.
I have lived in every country of the UK – which might explain my slightly mixed-up accent!