Reality Shift Counselling

My Counselling Experience

Though it’s over 25 years since I first trained in counselling, I still feel grateful for the work I do, particularly when I see clients work through their difficulties and come to greater happiness. 

I’m a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, which regulates counselling practice in the UK. I am also accredited by them, which means I’ve reached a good level of training and counselling experience. I’m listed in the BACP Register.

You can read more about my experience and qualifications as a counsellor here. 

My Approach to Counselling

There are many different types of counselling and psychotherapy and when you just want some help, it can be confusing. I always aim to do what works best for you. This may include using specific techniques, for example Mindfulness and CBT,  though my basic therapeutic approach is ‘person-centred’.

Person-centred therapy was started by Carl Rogers back in the 1950s. Carl Rogers saw counselling as a partnership (rather than a doctor-patient relationship) in which therapist and client work together for change and growth. He put forward the idea, which is commonly accepted today, that it’s the good therapeutic relationship between counsellor and client, which is the essential cornerstone on which successful therapy is built.

“When I have been listened to and when I have been heard, I am able to re-perceive my world in a new way and to go on. It is astonishing how elements that seem insoluble become soluble when someone listens, how confusions that seem irremediable turn into relatively clear flowing streams when one is heard.” – Carl Rogers, the founder of person-centred counselling.  

This kind of counselling is based on equality, trust and acceptance. It means that counselling is a safe space to express what you can’t talk about anywhere else, or have been unable to express before. Each counselling session is a chance to explore how you feel, to work out why things are as they are and to see what needs to be different. You may notice patterns that repeat themselves in your life. Together we’ll look at both the recent past and much further back, so that you can understand your life better. Then you can work out what new choices you want to make and take action to improve your life.  

A Few Testimonials

I know from my experience as a counsellor (and also as a counselling client) that counselling really works.

But you don’t need to take my word for it. Here are a few testimonials I’ve received from former clients. 

“Counselling with Stephen gently challenged my thoughts and preconceptions …It helped me greatly and led me to changes that I otherwise would not have had the energy or courage to make.”  – Ann

“Working with Stephen…changed my life to the point where I was able to achieve things I’d previously thought unimaginable. In the most thoughtful, caring and approachable manner, Stephen allowed me to open up and explore complex thoughts and experiences leading back to my early childhood, with patience and empathy. I credit the work we did together very highly and would recommend Stephen to anyone seeking help processing difficult life experiences.” – James

“I started seeing Stephen because I was at a low point, unhappy with myself and my work life and weary of feeling the way I did.  Counselling made a huge difference. My time seeing Stephen has helped me to understand myself better – in particular, what I find satisfying and what really makes me happier.” – Kate

“Counselling with Stephen has been literally life-changing for me. I no longer experience fear, anxiety or panic attacks (as I did, for years, on a daily basis). What I do experience now, as an underlying thread, is a real, palpable, regained joy in my life.” – Philippa

“I started counselling with Stephen as my anxieties were holding me back both professionally and in my personal life…I felt truly muddled and helpless. In our sessions Stephen helped me to explore my thoughts and feelings and understand them so that I could see life in a new and positive way. Thanks for all your help Stephen.” – Joe

“I now have a ‘superpower’ of being able to recognise when I am letting stress or anxiety take over, and while that doesn’t mean it doesn’t happen – I’m now able to, with Stephen’s tools and words of wisdom, navigate my stresses way more than I ever thought I could. Stephen is also very clever at guiding me towards reaching my own conclusions and there have been several breakthrough moments where I’ve uncovered the reasons, causes and consequences behind some of the biggest worries in my life. Genuinely life changing.” Ben 

What To Do Now

If you would like to ask me any questions, please give me a ring for a no-obligation chat on 07896919141.

You can also email me at realityshiftcounselling@pm.me

I look forward to hearing from you.