Approaches Used
Person-Centred Counselling
Person-centred therapy uses a non-authoritative approach that allows clients to take more of a lead in discussions so that, in the process, they will discover their own solutions. The therapist acts as a compassionate facilitator, listening without judgment and acknowledging the client’s experience without moving the conversation in another direction. The therapist is there to encourage and support the client and to guide the therapeutic process without interrupting or interfering with the client’s process of self-discovery. The person-centred approach can be used as the foundation in which other appropriate therapeutic approaches can be built upon.
Creative Therapy
Creative therapy uses various creative expressions to explore and process a person's experience. It is not limited to children or those who consider themselves 'creative'. It can be used by anyone who is open to using a different approach to making sense of and understanding themselves and their world.
Creative therapy refers to a group of techniques that are expressive and creative in nature. The aim of creative therapies is to help clients find a form of expression beyond words. Therefore, the scope of creative therapy is as limitless as the imagination in finding appropriate modes of expression. The most commonly used and professionally supported approaches include art therapy, writing, sand play, clay, movement therapy, psychodrama, role play, and music therapy.
Play Therapy
Because the child's world of play is their natural way of communicating, the play therapist enters their play world to communicate with them and to help them understand and resolve any psychological and psychosocial challenges e.g. trauma, separation of parents, loss of a loved one, chronic illness, etc. In play therapy, children are able to express their experiences and feelings through a natural, self-guided and self-healing process. Children will be helped towards healthier and better social integration, growth and development.
Check out these links for more information on the benefits of play therapy
https://www.childplayworks.co.nz/play-therapy/
https://www.insightactiontherapy.com/playing-to-heal-5-benefits-of-play-therapy/
A Word From Bex: What to Expect When You Come to Counselling
Ultimately, when you give someone the gift of time and space not only to be listened to but to be truly heard, seen and understood, you give to another a gift more powerful and indelible than you will ever know.
I understand that engaging in the counselling process can be a somewhat daunting experience for some, for others, it may feel awkward or confronting, or it might just be the breathing space you have been so desperately waiting for. Whatever has brought you to this point in your journey, be it worries, trauma, change, loss etc, I see this process as a journey we take together. There is no white coat, clipboard, or someone dissecting all your wrongs. It is simple, you come, we talk, I listen and reflect and explore what you share in ways that work for you. This process takes time, to build trust, to feel comfortable, to learn how to talk about things that you maybe haven't know how to before.
For kids, we play, we learn, we draw, we imagine, we create, you be you and I'll be me, no expectations. Your family (whatever that looks like) and the important adults in your life (who-ever they are) are also an important part of our journey together, sometimes I will talk to them about how to support you on your journey. But there is a little thing called confidentiality which means I keep what you say in the room safe and only tell someone if I feel there might be a risk of danger to you or someone else.
I believe that each person must be viewed and valued in a holistic way. Meaning that we all have different aspects to ourselves and our worlds that need to in balance in order for us to be functioning, healthy individuals. These aspects can be emotional, mental, spiritual, physical and social. When one is not being attended to the others can become out of whack, causing us distress.
Within my counselling work, I encourage my clients in a non-directive way, to explore and attend to all the unique aspects of who they are, as this is a great foundation to build from.
I am fascinated by the ever-expanding research in neuroscience and draw from this to help clients of all ages to understand our brain and body responses to our experiences. When someone begins to understand what is going on within them they begin to gain the knowledge and power to step toward change, rather than feeling stuck and powerless.
My desire for counselling is that it is a safe place for a person, regardless of age, gender or lifestyle to feel heard, unjudged and understood. I will endeavour to find this space for you, whether that is in working with you myself or with a trusted counselling colleague.
I have a qualified, registered counselling supervisor whom I am in regular contact with.
I am consistently working at keeping my professional development up to date with self-directed readings, conferences and workshops.
Professional Requirements
