How I Work
Person Centred therapy (PCT)
The “Person” in PCT signifies your uniqueness. There is no one size fits all with this approach. No-one can know you better than you-yourself. It follows that given the right supportive environment you will be able to gain insight into your own difficulties. This therapy puts a high value on compassion and empathy and on the relationship between you and the counsellor. Most counsellors regard PCT as the bedrock upon which other approaches are practised.
For more information:
https://www.bacp.co.uk/about-therapy/types-of-therapy/person-centred-counselling/
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
A very popular approach which can be applied to a dizzying array of problems. A huge body of research testifies to its effectiveness. The central idea of CBT is that thoughts (the cognitive part), feelings/emotions and behaviour are inextricably linked. A change in any one will result in changes in the other two:- alter a behaviour and your mood may improve; or learn to view a problem differently (reframing) and the associated feelings become less troublesome.
CBT practice often includes mindfulness exercises and meditation practice because these deepen awareness of thoughts, feelings and behaviours.
For more information visit the Very Well Mind site:
https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-cognitive-behavior-therapy-2795747
Walk-and-Talk Therapy
Walk-and-talk therapy is counselling while being in pleasant surroundings. We can walk or just sit, taking each moment as it comes. Nature’s gentle healing combined with counselling can be powerful indeed.
Spiritual/Philosophical
Those questions that have confounded and fascinated the human race from our earliest beginnings. Questions such as:
Does the universe have a purpose and how can I invest purpose in my life? Is there a God? Can God be experienced? Sometimes I feel utterly alone despite being surrounded by others – is true relationship possible?
Visit here and click on “Existential Therapy” for a brief description thereof:
https://ncps.com/counselling-directory/types-of-therapy
If you visited the above site and were troubled by the number of therapies on offer please read “Therapies in general” below.
Narrative therapy
Dwell on this statement for a moment: You are the author of your own life. Did you feel momentarily empowered by that idea?
Imagine sitting down at a magical desk and writing notes in a special book. You are writing your future – whatever you write will come to pass. What a terrifying but thrilling prospect. What would you write in that book? What would you dare to dream?
During my own life journey I have found writing to be wonderfully recuperative. Writing about the past can help make sense of it and can provide a springboard for the future.
Do you feel you are a bystander in your own life – events happening over which you have little control? Step back into your life story and make yourself the central character, the protagonist, the hero, and start thinking, “how can I be the hero that I would be proud of?”
Life is short. Break the rules. Forgive quickly. Kiss slowly. Love Truly. Laugh uncontrollably. Never regret anything that makes you smile. Mark Twain
Therapies in general
There is a bewildering selection of therapy types out there. How can you possibly decide which one best suits you and not be troubled by the thought, “Did I make the right choice?”. I hope the following provides some insight:
Whilst it is important that the type therapy is a good fit, it is now generally accepted that the single most important factor is the relationship between client and counsellor. Think of the therapy as a car. What’s more important: the type of car, or the driver? Any well maintained car will do the job. In this analogy you are the driver of your own life, and my purpose is to be the map (or GPS if you prefer).
So the mode of therapy is important but true power comes from a strong client/counsellor relationship and the client’s desire to make changes. Do not worry if you feel you may lack motivation. That is also something that can be addressed in counselling.
Other interests
Getting out in nature is a major part of my own self-therapy and I’ve always been drawn to outdoor interests. I enjoy sailing and climbing. I believe it is the multifaceted nature of these that attracts me. Both require teamwork, navigation, rope-work, and many other practical skills. The concentration required plus the environment ensure that our day to day worries are put to the background.
I am not a sailing or climbing instructor nor am I a boat owner but I welcome clients who share these interests or who would wish to combine them with counselling.
Other interests include natural navigation techniques (navigation without instruments) both on land and sea. I occasionally go fishing – coarse and sea.
Both the sea and mountains are wonderful metaphors for life. Pitting oneself against the elements to achieve an ocean crossing. To succeed, despite one’s fear, in standing on that distant cloud shrouded peak. The inevitable failures which only long afterwards do we realise were not failures but lessons learned. A mistake is only a mistake if we learn nothing from it.
If any of the above resonates with you please get in touch.
Organisations that I have been involved with:
My first helping role was as a bereavement support volunteer for Rowcroft. They provided basic grief training and experience for which I will be forever grateful. It was Rowcroft that awakened in me the desire to become a counsellor.
Shekinah Mission. A South Devon charity that offers a variety of services.
TDAS, Torbay Domestic Abuse Service who are a branch of Sanctuary Supported Living.
Sailing trips that inspire positive change in people’s lives, particularly those in recovery from mental health issues and addiction.
© Mark Gardener Counselling
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