Counselling

What is person-centred counselling?

Person-centred counselling is based on the theories and research of Carl Rogers. Rogers’ approach is founded the belief that we all have the capacity for growth as long as we are offered the right conditions. He diligently researched the factors that make a difference in a therapeutic relationship, and identified key attitudes from the counsellor that support therapeutic change – empathy, congruence (deep self-awareness and authenticity) and unconditional positive regard, that is, unconditional acceptance of the client as they are. These attitudes, when fully embodied by the counsellor, are key in helping the client feel deeply understood, accepted, safe, with no requirement to be anything other than who they are. From this place of psychological safety then, a client can dare to explore their feelings and experiences without fear of judgement, without having to make themself pleasing to another, to consider what they really think and feel, to make personal meaning and to grow in an authentic way that is not about what others expect from them.

What to expect

I offer one-to-one counselling sessions for individuals over the age of 18 both online and in-person from counselling rooms in the centre of Inverness (you may wish to do a mixture of the two). Sessions are 1 hour long and the fee is £50. I don’t specify a number of sessions or the frequency of sessions – this is something that will be individual to you and we can discuss this together. Most people tend to start with weekly or fortnightly sessions, but this can be adapted as we go on to best fit your needs.

I would describe sessions as being a dialogue between us; a conversation and a relationship that is guided by what is going on for you, what feels important for you. You might come to a session with a clear idea of what you would like to talk about that day, or you might prefer an approach of what I call “let’s see where the wind takes us” – it can prove fascinating what comes up!