Torch-light
Therapy and Training Services
Approaches
Counselling
What is counselling?Counselling is a talking therapy where you are given the time and space to explore the psychological, behavioural and/or emotional problems that you might be experiencing. A safe space; a non-judgemental and confidential environment of unconditional positive regard and empathy, where you can talk about anything that is on your mind. Counselling can help with any problem that you might be experiencing; problems that are occurring right now or that perhaps come from past memories or events. The counselling service I offer is an integrative approach bringing together elements from a variety of approaches, including but not limited to: person-centred counselling, sandtray therapy, CBT, Hypnotherapy, creative therapy, and psychotherapy. If you have a preference for working in one specific way, the therapy sessions can be tailored to your individual needs. The key element of working with clients with any therapy technique is the existence of unconditional acceptance and the development of a trusting relationship. How is the therapy conducted?You will be provided with a non-judgemental safe space, where you can explore anything that is on your mind. You will be listened to and supported with unconditional positive regard, enabling you to begin a journey towards positive change and self understanding. Over time, through the process of talking and introspection, you will develop the capacity to make the necessary changes required that will allow you to live a happier and contented life. Sessions can be weekly or bi-weekly and last for 60 minutes.
Person Centred Counselling and Psychotherapy
Person centred counselling is a humanistic approach that deals with the ways in which individuals perceive themselves consciously rather than how a counsellor can interpret their unconscious thoughts or ideas. This approach ultimately sees human beings as having an innate tendency to develop towards their full potential. However, this ability can become blocked or distorted by our life experiences - particularly those that affect our sense of value. The core purpose of the person-centred approach is to facilitate the personal growth of an individual by allowing them to explore and utilise their own strengths and personal identity.
Psychotherapy (psychodynamic therapy) is an analytical approach with the aim of bringing the unconscious into the conscious thereby helping individuals to understand and process underlying difficulties, memories and feelings. It takes the view that our unconscious holds onto painful feelings and memories, which are too difficult for the conscious mind to process. In order to ensure these memories and experiences do not surface, many people will develop defences, such as denial and projections. According to psychodynamic therapy, these defences will often do more harm than good.
CBT
What is CBT?Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a psychotherapeutic approach which is used by psychologists and therapists to help promote positive change in individuals. The idea behind CBT is that our thoughts and behaviours have an effect on each other. That by changing the way we think or behave in a situation, we can change the way we feel about life. The goals of CBT are to investigate, evaluate and restructure one's thoughts, perceptions, behaviours and beliefs to facilitate emotional change. CBT might be considered more as a guided and instructional approach compared to counselling and will therefore suit those, who in particular, like a structured logical approach to making personal change.
How is the therapy conducted?The initial consultation includes a thorough case history to enable me to understand the nature of the difficulties for which therapy is being sought. You may also be asked to complete various assessment tools (e.g. anxiety inventory) or questionnaires. • Sessions are usually scheduled to take place on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. • A therapy plan is completed to set goals and to monitor progress. • During therapy, your coping skills and problem solving abilities are also assessed and further developed to facilitate positive changes. • Being an active participant in your own therapy journey supports the process therefore conducting home activities is an essential element of this therapy approach. • The process includes learning to challenge unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviours and this will often include conducting behaviour experiments to challenge automatic responses.• CBT is delivered in a structured way with achievable and identifiable goals.• CBT is based in evidence and periodic reviews of the various assessment tools (e.g. anxiety inventory) will help to identify the progress being made.
During a CBT session, I will help you understand any negative thought patterns you have. You will learn how they affect you and most importantly, what can be done to change them such as restructuring outdated beliefs that influence your thinking patterns.
How is the therapy conducted?The initial consultation includes a thorough case history to enable me to understand the nature of the difficulties for which therapy is being sought. You may also be asked to complete various assessment tools (e.g. anxiety inventory) or questionnaires. • Sessions are usually scheduled to take place on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. • A therapy plan is completed to set goals and to monitor progress. • During therapy, your coping skills and problem solving abilities are also assessed and further developed to facilitate positive changes. • Being an active participant in your own therapy journey supports the process therefore conducting home activities is an essential element of this therapy approach. • The process includes learning to challenge unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviours and this will often include conducting behaviour experiments to challenge automatic responses.• CBT is delivered in a structured way with achievable and identifiable goals.• CBT is based in evidence and periodic reviews of the various assessment tools (e.g. anxiety inventory) will help to identify the progress being made.
During a CBT session, I will help you understand any negative thought patterns you have. You will learn how they affect you and most importantly, what can be done to change them such as restructuring outdated beliefs that influence your thinking patterns.
Sandplay Therapy
Sandplay therapy is a nonverbal, therapeutic intervention that makes use of a sandbox, toy figures (miniatures), and sometimes water, to create scenes of miniature worlds that reflect a person's inner thoughts, struggles, and concerns. It is a creative counselling technique where a person expresses their understanding of themselves, their world, and aspects of their reality through figurines and miniatures. The scenes created in a sand tray reflect the person's past and present inner thoughts, feelings, and hardships.
Sandplay is a powerful method for accessing the unconscious in a way that brings about profound change. It is a safe, effective way of working with preverbal and nonverbal trauma while simultaneously promoting healing.
Mindfulness & Meditation
What is Mindfulness & Meditation?Meditation is the art of quieting the mind, and mindfulness is the awareness of the present moment, eliminating distraction of the past and future.
Mindfulness involves both concentration (a form of meditation) and acceptance. Paying attention to thoughts and sensations without judgment. Observation without criticism; being compassionate with yourself. Practicing mindfulness may improve both mental, and physical health.It may help you to:• learn how to savour the pleasures in life as they occur• become fully engaged in activities • create a greater capacity to deal with adverse events
By focusing on the here and now, many people who practice mindfulness find that they are less likely to get caught up in worries about the future or regrets over the past, are less preoccupied with concerns about success and self-esteem, and are better able to form deep connections with others. Mindfulness can be helpful for people who have ADHD and/or PTSD, providing a 'self-help' tool to calm the mind, enabling focus to return or anxiety to reduce. I introduce mindfulness as a basic 'self-help' strategy when supporting clients who have experienced trauma in their lives. It can be a great way of starting a session, settling the business of the day before giving time to the therapeutic process of the session. Further benefits identified include:• Reduces the key indicators of chronic stress• Lowers blood pressure• Improves sleep• Improves symptoms of IBS• Supports pain management• Bolsters the immune system• Useful strategy in the treatment of anxiety disorders such as OCD
Research demonstrates that people who meditate on a regular basis see their doctors less often and spend fewer days in hospital. Memory improves, creativity increases and reaction times become faster.
Mindfulness involves both concentration (a form of meditation) and acceptance. Paying attention to thoughts and sensations without judgment. Observation without criticism; being compassionate with yourself. Practicing mindfulness may improve both mental, and physical health.It may help you to:• learn how to savour the pleasures in life as they occur• become fully engaged in activities • create a greater capacity to deal with adverse events
By focusing on the here and now, many people who practice mindfulness find that they are less likely to get caught up in worries about the future or regrets over the past, are less preoccupied with concerns about success and self-esteem, and are better able to form deep connections with others. Mindfulness can be helpful for people who have ADHD and/or PTSD, providing a 'self-help' tool to calm the mind, enabling focus to return or anxiety to reduce. I introduce mindfulness as a basic 'self-help' strategy when supporting clients who have experienced trauma in their lives. It can be a great way of starting a session, settling the business of the day before giving time to the therapeutic process of the session. Further benefits identified include:• Reduces the key indicators of chronic stress• Lowers blood pressure• Improves sleep• Improves symptoms of IBS• Supports pain management• Bolsters the immune system• Useful strategy in the treatment of anxiety disorders such as OCD
Research demonstrates that people who meditate on a regular basis see their doctors less often and spend fewer days in hospital. Memory improves, creativity increases and reaction times become faster.
Clinical Hypnotherapy
What is Clinical Hypnotherapy?Hypnosis is a natural state of heightened awareness that can be achieved through the process of relaxation, where you are able to open your mind to beneficial suggestions and where you can make use of your imagination to help make positive changes in your life. It is at these deeper levels of the creative consciousness that a hypnotherapist can work with you; by-passing the blockages of the conscious mind, to bring about change in the way you feel, think and behave. Hypnotherapy enables you to become more aware of and better able to use the kinds of thoughts, understandings, memories, perceptions and behaviours that produce well-being.
Hypnotherapy and NLP (Neuro-linguistic programming) can be a powerful combination for the healing of trauma, utilisiing the imagination to create changes in a safe way. Both can be used as a tool for supporting desensitisation of phobias.
How is the therapy conducted?An initial consultation is required to provide me with an opportunity to gather relevant information about your current situation and to be able to personalise your therapy plan. During the hypnotherapy session, whilst sitting in a comfortable chair, you are guided into a relaxed state and personalised beneficial suggestions are provided to allow your unconscious mind to make the necessary changes that are required for you to achieve your goal. It might be beneficial to include other therapy approaches and this option will be discussed before we proceed.Contra-indicationsIf you suffer from epilepsy, schizophrenia or clinical depression, you should consult your GP before approaching a clinical hypnotherapist.
How does it feel to be hypnotised?Remember back to this morning when you were half awake and half asleep? You couldn't be bothered to wake yourself up properly but because you weren't really all the way deep down asleep you could appreciate all the comfortable feelings that go with being snuggled down in your bed. Well that's pretty much how it feels to be hypnotised. You're not asleep but in a very relaxed state and always in control. Your therapist facilitates a similar state, so the creative part of your mind can focus on beneficial positive changes.
Ever had a solution to a problem pop into your mind out of nowhere? That’s the creative part of your unconscious mind working for you... hypnosis can recreate that potential!
The CNHC's (UK) outline of Hypnotherapy Hypnotherapy is a skilled communication aimed at directing a person’s imagination in a way that helps elicit changes in some perceptions, sensations, feelings, thoughts and behaviours. In a typical hypnotherapy session the hypnotherapist and client will discuss the intended alterations or therapeutic goals desired. The hypnotherapist will ask questions about previous medical history, general health and lifestyle to decide on the best approach for the individual. Hypnotherapy may be found to be helpful for those seeking relief from a range of problems and is used alongside a person’s own willpower and motivation to seek a desired goal. It is often used to help relieve anxiety, aid sleeping, help to address bedwetting, address attitudes to weight, and help clients achieve behavioural change to stop smoking. It may also help with minor skin conditions that are exacerbated by stress and confidence issues, and may also be used to enhance performance in areas such as sport and public speaking. Hypnotherapy may help people to cope with and manage the relief of perceived pain. Hypnotherapy has also been used with both adults and children to help manage the pain associated with irritable bowel. There is evidence to support its use in this condition for both adults and children and the UK National Institute for Health and Clinical Guidance (NICE) recommends the NHS should consider referring patients for hypnotherapy if their irritable bowel is persistent and has failed to respond to simple prescribed medicine. Hypnotherapy FAQs
Does clinical hypnotherapy work for everyone?Most people easily achieve the very deep relaxed state known as hypnosis although it can take some people longer than others. Having experienced it once, however, makes it much easier subsequently.
Will I keep control when I am in a relaxed hypnotic state?You are in control at all times; a clinical hypnotherapist cannot and would not make you do anything that goes against your moral and ethical code. It is not the same as stage hypnosis which is purely for public entertainment.
How is the therapy conducted?An initial consultation is required to provide me with an opportunity to gather relevant information about your current situation and to be able to personalise your therapy plan. During the hypnotherapy session, whilst sitting in a comfortable chair, you are guided into a relaxed state and personalised beneficial suggestions are provided to allow your unconscious mind to make the necessary changes that are required for you to achieve your goal. It might be beneficial to include other therapy approaches and this option will be discussed before we proceed.Contra-indicationsIf you suffer from epilepsy, schizophrenia or clinical depression, you should consult your GP before approaching a clinical hypnotherapist.
How does it feel to be hypnotised?Remember back to this morning when you were half awake and half asleep? You couldn't be bothered to wake yourself up properly but because you weren't really all the way deep down asleep you could appreciate all the comfortable feelings that go with being snuggled down in your bed. Well that's pretty much how it feels to be hypnotised. You're not asleep but in a very relaxed state and always in control. Your therapist facilitates a similar state, so the creative part of your mind can focus on beneficial positive changes.
Ever had a solution to a problem pop into your mind out of nowhere? That’s the creative part of your unconscious mind working for you... hypnosis can recreate that potential!
The CNHC's (UK) outline of Hypnotherapy Hypnotherapy is a skilled communication aimed at directing a person’s imagination in a way that helps elicit changes in some perceptions, sensations, feelings, thoughts and behaviours. In a typical hypnotherapy session the hypnotherapist and client will discuss the intended alterations or therapeutic goals desired. The hypnotherapist will ask questions about previous medical history, general health and lifestyle to decide on the best approach for the individual. Hypnotherapy may be found to be helpful for those seeking relief from a range of problems and is used alongside a person’s own willpower and motivation to seek a desired goal. It is often used to help relieve anxiety, aid sleeping, help to address bedwetting, address attitudes to weight, and help clients achieve behavioural change to stop smoking. It may also help with minor skin conditions that are exacerbated by stress and confidence issues, and may also be used to enhance performance in areas such as sport and public speaking. Hypnotherapy may help people to cope with and manage the relief of perceived pain. Hypnotherapy has also been used with both adults and children to help manage the pain associated with irritable bowel. There is evidence to support its use in this condition for both adults and children and the UK National Institute for Health and Clinical Guidance (NICE) recommends the NHS should consider referring patients for hypnotherapy if their irritable bowel is persistent and has failed to respond to simple prescribed medicine. Hypnotherapy FAQs
Does clinical hypnotherapy work for everyone?Most people easily achieve the very deep relaxed state known as hypnosis although it can take some people longer than others. Having experienced it once, however, makes it much easier subsequently.
Will I keep control when I am in a relaxed hypnotic state?You are in control at all times; a clinical hypnotherapist cannot and would not make you do anything that goes against your moral and ethical code. It is not the same as stage hypnosis which is purely for public entertainment.
Life Coaching
What is Life Coaching?Life Coaching is a future focused practice with the aim of helping and mentoring clients through the use of various techniques and strategies to set and achieve personal goals. A Life Coach will help you assess and evaluate your current situation and identify a positive way forward. Individual guidance and motivation will provide you with renewed interest and vigour for life, enabling you to turn your dreams into reality.If you want to make changes in your life and become free from restraints of past conditioning, develop self-confidence and the belief that you can achieve your dreams and ambitions, then call me to book a consultation.
How is Life Coaching conducted?• Life coaching is a goal orientated process • It is about empowering the client• It is an effective and transformational process Why Life coaching? • Do you feel like you have lost direction?• Do you want to change or enhance your career prospects?• Are you held back by self-limitations?• Are your values and beliefs empowering?• Do you use positive language to enhance your mindset?
I will help you to assess your current situation to identify any areas of your life that you would like to re-evaluate in some way. This might include an assessment related to the importance of, and satisfaction obtained, from your career, relationships, health and well-being or your desire for learning and individual growth. You will be supported and encouraged with guidance, to assess and make the necessary changes to achieve your goals.
Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves: "Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?” Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. You playing small doesn’t serve the world.There’s nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people around you won’t feel insecure. We are all meant to shine as children do. We are born to manifest the glory of God that is within us: it’s in everyone. And as we let our light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others. Marianne Williamson
How is Life Coaching conducted?• Life coaching is a goal orientated process • It is about empowering the client• It is an effective and transformational process Why Life coaching? • Do you feel like you have lost direction?• Do you want to change or enhance your career prospects?• Are you held back by self-limitations?• Are your values and beliefs empowering?• Do you use positive language to enhance your mindset?
I will help you to assess your current situation to identify any areas of your life that you would like to re-evaluate in some way. This might include an assessment related to the importance of, and satisfaction obtained, from your career, relationships, health and well-being or your desire for learning and individual growth. You will be supported and encouraged with guidance, to assess and make the necessary changes to achieve your goals.
Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves: "Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?” Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. You playing small doesn’t serve the world.There’s nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people around you won’t feel insecure. We are all meant to shine as children do. We are born to manifest the glory of God that is within us: it’s in everyone. And as we let our light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others. Marianne Williamson
Mind Body connection - Psychoneuroimmunology
I am particularly effective and passionate at helping clients gain an insight into current unhelpful behaviours and negative emotions that are generated from childhood origins by working in a psycho-dynamic way, utilising CBT strategies. This approach will allow you to gain an understanding of the limiting beliefs and assumptions that were generated in your childhood, which often result in not only negative emotions and unhelpful behaviours, but may also manifest in physical ailments. Gaining this awareness will empower you to begin to make changes in your life and release you from limiting beliefs and ideas, resulting in new behaviours and balanced emotions, ultimately impacting positively on physical health and well-being .I also work in a psycho-dynamic way with health issues, investigating the psychological message behind the physiological manifestation. Our mind and body are not separate entities, they are connected and therefore influence each other.• Unhelpful behaviours might include (but not limited to): conducting avoidance, seeking reassurance, checking, people pleasing, being a 'yes' person, excessive drinking, taking drugs, being short tempered, comfort eating, having angry outbursts, shouting, crying, conducting safety rituals, conducting comparisons to others, self-criticism, self-harming, self-labelling, mind reading (thinking you know what others are thinking about you), over thinking or analysing past conversations, being over focused on outward appearance, giving significance to what others think etc.• Negative emotions might include: high levels of anxiety, depression, unreasonable levels of guilt, fear, panic, anger, frustration, stress, annoyance etc (please note all emotions are normal and are a consequence of life experiences, it is when these emotions get in the way of leading a healthy life that they may require investigation)• Physical impact might be: IBS, ulcers, acid indigestion, headaches, migraines, tiredness, skin irritations, insomnia, difficulty concentrating, weight gain or loss, hair loss, etcGain an insight into your past programming and allow yourself the opportunity to create a new future.
Get in touch and start your journey towards becoming the best YOU possible.
Get in touch and start your journey towards becoming the best YOU possible.