What is counselling like at Newcastle Counselling?
People come to Newcastle Counselling for all sorts of reasons. My role is to create a safe, warm and non-judgemental environment in which you can explore your issues, build on and find your strengths, to discover who you are. I recognise that it can be anxiety provoking to meet someone and disclose things that may not have been said before. I will work alongside you to help you identify your goals and walk with you on your journey as you achieve them.
At Newcastle Counselling, each session lasts for 50 minutes. Typically, sessions are held weekly, but can be tailored to an individual’s needs: sometimes a different spacing between appointments is beneficial. Many people find six to eight sessions is right for them whilst others benefit from more and others need less; some benefit from support on an on-going basis. Sessions take place in Gosforth or online.
“I like to use a metaphor of working with a patchwork quilt to explain my approach to counselling.” Louise
People, Counselling and Patchwork Quilts
If you look closely at a patchwork quilt you will notice that it is made up of many pieces of fabric which are then bound onto a bigger piece of material. To make a robust quilt that can be thrown about, used as a blanket, slept on by the cat or even turned into a tent by children, a variety of threads, stitches and sewing equipment are needed at different times. Each of the fabrics has different qualities: some are strong, some delicate, some beautiful and some ugly, but put together they make an item of great value.
People are like patchwork quilts! Just as the quilt is made up of many different pieces, there are many aspects to us: for example, our personality, beliefs, emotions and physical health. Some are strong, some delicate, some beautiful and some ugly, but together they create a valuable person.
Counselling: Repairing the Patchwork Quilt
At times, a quilt needs attention to strengthen and repair it so that it can remain robust. Depending on the repair it needs, a variety of threads, stitches or tools will be used. In a similar way, when difficulties are faced in life, people may benefit from different approaches to help bring them back to health.
So, what does that mean for people coming to Newcastle Counselling?
I recognise that everyone is unique, formed by their life experiences and their genetic makeup. Because people are so different, it makes little sense to have a “one size fits all” approach. Instead, it seems logical to me to use counselling styles and techniques tailored to where each individual finds their self at that particular moment in time. In effect, I have a “counselling tool box” or “sewing kit” to draw on to help clients discover themselves and their own healing.
Just as an enthusiastic quilter enjoys learning new techniques and growing their sewing kit, my approach to counselling means I enjoy attending further training courses and reading professional journals. This means that I can keep my skills sharp and learn new ways to benefit clients who choose to work with me.
If you would like to chat about my approach or anything else then please feel free to contact me.
Research has shown that if you can connect with you counsellor then the process will be beneficial. Why not give me a ‘no obligation’ call on 07901 218 165 to find out how I could help.