COUNSELLING

Denise is an integrative counsellor who uses Person-Centred Therapy (PCT), Transactional Analysis (TA) and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).

PCT is an approach which allows clients to feel accepted enough to explore their feelings without being judged. It is a non-directive therapy based on the idea that the majority of people have the potential for psychological growth.

The client is seen as the best expert in their life. The therapist’s role is to listen to clients and challenge them in an honest and respectful way when the need arises. This therapy is suitable for most clients.

In TA, the counsellor looks at the roles clients adopt in their day-to-day lives, how they communicate in relationships, what drives their behaviour and how clients have the ability to change their life script. This type of therapy is more directive than PCT - with the therapist playing a more central role.

CBT is also a directive type of therapy which focuses on changing unwanted learnt behaviours. It is useful for clients with negative thinking and those suffering from anxiety and stress. It involves relaxation techniques and challenging negative thought patterns.

Depending on the client’s needs, Denise may combine all of the above therapies during sessions or focus on one particular approach. A client’s commitment to work inside and outside of therapy is important to bring about desired changes.