“People typically report deriving a greater sense of self (identity, respect, efficacy, awareness, understanding, security) in both their inner and outer lives through their sessions with me.”
Specialty
I specialise in working with people with complex presentations: who present with unusual circumstances, who have experienced trauma, who see themselves as different to the norm and perhaps experience discrimination as a result, who want to be heard and understood in the fullness of their personhood, and/or with people who harbour a yearning to understand better themselves, their loved ones, people and the world around them and how to tread their way authentically through their lives. Most people coming to my counselling practice typically want to talk deeply, and be heard, understood and accepted in their individuality. And, critically, the vast majority want to be able to make sustained changes in their inner and outer lives in ways that improve their experience of themselves and their lives.
Typical Presenting Themes & Consultation Style
My counselling therapy as a collaboration between my client(s) and me. The client brings the content. I, the practitioner, bring the process for their content. Once the ground is explored and established, we discuss and agree on an approach to assist the client in achieving their stated ambitions for themselves.
The sorts of themes arising and the methods used in my clinical practice are perhaps best described by way of some examples:
- exploring the nature and effects of mental health conditions on the client and those around them, experimenting with methods for engaging in the client’s inner and outer lives more fully according to their individual nature, the nature of their mental health condition and their life circumstances; and eventually developing sustainable ways of living which allow the client to live a life which is more satisfying to them
- dealing with unprocessed past events as well as investigating how these may have impacted on the formation of self , moods and personality as well as life experiences
- exploration, understanding and acceptance of aspects of self which may be different to the “norm”; integration of these aspects of self with the broader self; finding ways of living that respect the health and wellbeing of self and others
- interpersonal therapy focussed on helping clients better understand themselves, their feelings, behaviours and events in their lives;
- dealing with major transitions or events in the client’s life, and more generally exploring life and meaning from a client-centred perspective
- exploring life and human existence from multiple levels of being: intellectual, emotional, behavioural, physical, spiritual, and from the soul
- behaviour modification through developing bodily awareness, mindfulness, breathing and other physical techniques, and creating new responses to old situations or interactions
- reducing unpleasant physical, emotional or cognitive symptoms and/or the impact of such symptoms on people’s lives through the use of body awareness techniques, relaxation strategies, mindfulness, acceptance and commitment therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, dialectical behavioural therapy
- discussing current circumstances, situations, and upcoming events; helping people sort through how they feel and think about them; working out how to deal with them
- helping people understand themselves better and communicate more successfully with others
- resolving moral or ethical dilemmas, including processing strong emotions such as shame, fear, exhilaration, desire and anger frequently associated with dilemmas
- recovery from a troubling break-up of intimate and other significant relationships
- unpacking, supporting and equipping people to deal with workplace issues, including self-esteem and dealing with bullying behaviours
Predominant Models & Theories
Over the course of 30 years of clinical practice I have developed an array of counselling, psychotherapeutic, somatic and psychological methods and techniques. First and foremost I use conversation and enquiry, interest and appreciation of the individual, as the underpinnings of all of my clinical practice. Sessions are tailored to the individual’s style and stated needs.
The theories and models of counselling which are most strongly present in my work are Gestalt Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Attachment Theory, Existential Therapy, Person-Centred Therapy, Art Therapy, Solution-Focussed Therapy, Systems Theory, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, Emotion-Focussed Therapy, all with due consideration of the person’s history and current life circumstances . Further to this I utilise techniques when indicated for awareness and symptom reduction, such as mindfulness, breath work, aspects of cognitive behavioural therapy, meditation and visualization techniques, and individually designed exercises to increase daily functioning.
Finding the right practitioner
Evidence of success of the counselling process lies not as much in clients’ feelings and experiences during sessions as it does in clients’ lives between sessions. The true test of effectiveness of sessions is when clients witness change in themselves and in their lives which they both desire and can sustain as a result of the counselling relationship.
Seeking the professional help of a counsellor is usually a big step to take. Think first about what you have in mind for yourself, and what you want from sessions. It is important to understand that counselling, psychotherapy, social work and psychology techniques differ significantly from each other. click here for more info . Also, within each of these disciplines, a practitioner may specialise in single or particular issues, or they may use particular theories or techniques.
So, do your homework. Ring a selection of practitioners to discuss what you want. Ask them how they work before you make up your mind who you will see. Find a practitioner & therapeutic approach that suits you.
“Please call me obligation free to ask me further questions before deciding whether you want to make an appointment”
Trish Walsh Counselling 