Adult Counselling
In my adult work, I use a humanistic, person centred approach, believing that you are the expert in your own experience. I don’t set agendas, advise or find solutions. I believe any answers you need, are there inside yourself. Sometimes it takes some help to discover these. Together, I hope we can identify objectives and work towards these at your pace. At times, I may suggest working creatively, if it feels appropriate and something you would like to try- I am trained and experienced in using art, sand-tray therapy and digital resources such as Minecraft and adapt my practice with these to work on thoughts, feelings and experiences. I find they often allow more freedom of expression and can lead to deeper therapeutic work. I understand that deciding to enter counselling can be an anxious time, so I place value on building a trusting relationship early on, to provide a solid base for the work. We will talk through a working agreement in our first session (often referred to as a counselling contract), where we establish what you need from the service and what I can offer as a counsellor. All of this takes place under the guidance of my ethical framework, which ensures I will always work in your best interest. I will regularly review this contract and our work together and we can agree any changes needed to best meet your goals. We can agree short term or more longer term therapy. I work quite organically and see counselling as a fluid process, so I will adapt to your needs as we go forwards. This is your journey. I can work face to face, online or by phone.
Children and young people counselling
I work creatively with cyp, using an integrative, proactive approach. This means I adapt to the young person’s changing needs and use a variety of resources and techniques to explore emotions and experiences. Many cyp come into counselling seeking a better sense of self, stronger identity and sense of belonging. Perhaps the changing world of childhood/adolescence has left them feeling anxious and low in mood. They may be finding it hard to navigate their world of education, friendships and technology. The proactive approach works beautifully with these goals, ensuring the work is fluid and organic, meeting those needs as they arise. I use resources and creative techniques such as drawing, journalling, sand tray play, mood/conversation cards, collaging and digital technology such as Minecraft (please see below section for more information) to explore feelings, thought patterns and what is happening for that young person.
My person centred background, ensures I remain client led and explore what my young client wants to explore. I offer gentleness and compassion throughout, and a non-judgmental approach.
I see cyp as part of a family unit and understand that parents and family members are integral to the work. I pre-assess young clients with their parent/caregiver to get a background on what is bringing them to counselling and how their caregivers perceive the presenting issues. The assessment and any subsequent counselling offered, is carried out with the cyp alone, and planned and agreed with their needs at the centre.
Please get in touch if you would like more details of how I work with cyp and liaise with their families.
I work for a local charity Tuesday to Thursday, delivering support in the districts schools. My availability is limited to Mondays at present and some evenings. I also offer an online service to teenagers and/or phone sessions if that is how they wish to engage.
Use of Minecraft as a therapeutic tool
Although not designed for therapeutic use, Minecraft lends itself beautifully to this, due it’s safe, gentle, building and exploratory nature. I am level 1 and 2 trained in the use of Minecraft within therapy and have been using it now for over 2 years. My hospice was the first in the UK to offer this resource as a therapeutic tool and have integrated it into our daily practice, regularly adapting and refining it’s use.
Although I use it mostly for bereavement, it can be used for any presenting issues such as low mood, anxiety, behavioural issues, emotional regulation, and EBSA (Emotionally- Based School Avoidance). Those that know Minecraft, know it is infinite in construction possibilities and therefore packed full of therapeutic possibilities.
I use Minecraft education in face to face work on iPads. I am also able to offer its use online. In a session, I will agree it’s use with an interested cyp and create a world/realm unique and private to them. It is only for use in the counselling session and Minecraft education cannot be accessed by other online users without an invite, hence making it safe and confidential.
Within the world, cyp have the opportunity to build a safe space, play freely (helps to establish a therapeutic relationship) explore strong emotions like anger (through digital anger icebergs etc), look at where emotions are felt and stored within the body (body-mind map) and navigate a personal journey (eg grief or other difficult experiences) though a river of life. These are just some examples- every session is different and every cyp uses it in their own unique way.
The familiarity of Minecraft allows a new cyp to relax quickly into the counselling session, facilitating the building of trust (essential for the work) and allowing for more balance with the room, as they are more than likely the tech expert! I am also experienced at running peer support groups at the hospice using Minecraft to explore the emotions of grief and encourage sharing of experiences- helping to alleviate some of the loneliness within grief.
Please get in touch if you would like to discuss my use of Minecraft as a therapeutic tool. If you are an organisation and are interested in using it with groups of young people, I would be happy to discuss your needs. In the meantime, you may be interested in these online articles and resources:
https://www.hospiceuk.org/innovation-hub/support-for-your-role/examples-of-innovation/minecraft
https://playmodeacademy.org/training/exploring-grief-through-minecraft
https://education.minecraft.net/es-es/blog/new-therapeutic-tool
