My Approach

The name of my practice, Velaris Counselling, derives from the Latin meaning you are covered. This is the atmosphere I try to foster in sessions. I endeavour to provide a secure space for you to be yourself without judgement.

Person-centred counselling was developed by the American humanist psychologist Carl Rogers (1902–1987) and today it is one of the main types of psychotherapy. This modality offers an alternative to the traditional expert-patient dynamic. Empathy, unconditional positive regard and congruence lie at the heart of a person-centred approach. In practice, this means that I will strive to be honest with you. I work on the principle of 'what you see is what you get.' I am not hiding anything in sessions; this doesn't mean I make lots of personal disclosures, but instead it means that I am being my true self in the room with you. 

I believe in the fundamental importance of a genuine, collaborative therapeutic relationship. This means that I encourage my clients to go through therapy at their own pace, rather than 'pushing' people to discuss content before they feel comfortable enough to do so. I don't know what it is like to be you—only you do! I understand that sometimes trust is built over many sessions and, instead of imposing a set framework, I work to see things from your perspective. You are a unique human being, as we all are, and deserve care that nurtures the multitudes inside you.

I cannot provide you psychiatric treatment or advice, but I often work with clients who have received this elsewhere. If I feel that you may benefit from a higher level of care or a different therapy that I am not trained to deliver, I will communicate this to you when it is appropriate to do so. Next steps may involve writing a letter to your GP that we have worked on together, or making a referral to another therapist. I am part of an extensive network of private therapists, all of whom have their own specialities. My priority is the wellbeing of my clients at every stage of their journey, no matter where that journey takes them.

You may want to discuss:

• Anxiety
• Depression 
• Self-harm
• Bipolar (I or II)
• LGBTQIA+ 
• Relationships 
• Childhood 
• Sexual assault 
• Self-esteem 
• Intrusive thoughts
• Panic attacks
• Nightmares 
• Chronic stress 
• Dissociation 
• Perfectionism 

… but if you aren’t sure where to begin, that’s okay too.