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I am working exclusively online currently.

I am available for new clients from April 2nd 2024

'Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.'

Viktor E. Frankl

Hi, my name is Una and I am an integrative counselor currently offering online counseling.

The above quote encapsulates my understanding of what therapy offers: i.e. a space between the causes ( the stresses, triggers etc) and the  growth and change that will come from a reflective response ( through the work done together during the therapy).

Therapy is about reflection and empowerment.

My service is directed to clients who have difficulties attending sessions in person and need the benefit of one to one support from the convenience of their own home. This can make all the difference to anyone who is limited by travel commitments; work commitments; is housebound or lives remotely.

Our work together will be within an integrative framework. This means I use three approaches and tailor them to your needs. The first approach is person-centred which offers you safe, non-judgemental understanding. The second is psycho-dynamic which helps you to connect and move on from past experiences that may be causing difficulty in the present and the third is cognitive behavioural which focuses on changing old patterns and behaviours using tools and interventions.

Sessions last for 50 minutes and the length of the process will depend on your needs. I offer short term or long term therapy.

 I abide by the Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¾«×¼×ÊÁÏ ethical principles and professional standards at all times. I engage with regular independent supervision which keeps my practice safe and accountable and I am committed to continued professional development through ongoing training and study which keeps my practice up to date on developments within the counselling world.

I am committed to equality and diversity in my practice and welcome all identities and communities.

My experience includes :

* working  with clients who have  experienced family breakdown due to domestic abuse and parents experiencing alienation from their children. This work focused on supporting the client with their emotional needs and practical strategies to support self -care and connection with their children within difficult circumstances.

* supporting clients referred for a range of issues including anxiety and depression; displacement due to migration; social isolation; bereavement; grief and loss; family issues including living with autism.

* presenting group workshops on ‘resilience’ .These explored a range of tools and strategies used to nurture resilience at home and in the workplace including CBT techniques designed to deepen understanding on the connection between thoughts, feelings and behaviours; polyvagal understanding and approaches; mindfulness and meditation and self -awareness and self- care plans.

*co- facilitating on the RISE Foundation’s Family Programme for families of persons in addiction. This included helping clients to navigate their relationship with a loved one in addiction, and focus on their own self -care and recovery ( I am AA and Al-Anon 12 step friendly)

* I have an FSc degree in Integrative Counselling and my recent professional development includes training on suicide awareness (ASIST); Domestic Abuse Awareness (LDVP); Parental Alienation Awareness (LDVP); Practical Strategies for Interventions around Addiction (Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¾«×¼×ÊÁÏ) and ongoing Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¾«×¼×ÊÁÏ training including the neuroscience of trauma and trauma informed approaches.

* My approach is relational and integrative.

There is an initial 30 min free session where we can have a conversation about what is causing distress and how we might work together e.g. do you want just a few sessions to start and then make a firmer commitment from that?

Are you looking for short term or long term therapy?

Are you experiencing a critical situation which you need to find coping strategies for?

The first full session will focus on making a contract together from which we will build our working relationship.

The boundaries and practicalities will be agreed ( e.g. limits of confidentiality, safeguarding, health and safety,  times, payment etc).

From this, I will provide you with a written signed contract.

 From here we will proceed to painting a complete holistic picture of where you are at. I use a multimodal model looking at seven key areas i.e. emotion ( feelings), cognitive, ( thoughts and thought patterns) behaviours ( how you function), physicality ( including sensations) relationships( personal and social), environment ( social situation, security) and cultural & spiritual ( beliefs, traditions)

This is a useful tool as often you will be surprised at what can become clear through stopping to reflect on these aspects of self and understand how they interrelate.

It is my experience that the first three sessions are often dedicated to exploring the issues and clarifying what is most important.

The process is person-centred in that I will facilitate and walk the walk with you rather than advise or direct.

I will use my skills to support you; help you to clarify your experience and identify your priorities and if needed help you to implement new behaviour and strategies going forward.