When you feel open to the world it can be joyful and rewarding, however when current or past difficulties challenge your usual ways of coping, life can become difficult. Friends or family may be there for you, but talking to a counsellor offers an independant safe supportive environment, to feel heard without judgment. Having a place to talk openly and explore thoughts, emotions and behaviour can enable you to become more accepting of yourself and the world around you.

I have worked in a variety of settings for over 20 years, including charities, health and corporate sectors. In my current private practice I work with issues such as bereavement/loss, trauma, change, relationship problems, identity, stress, meaning, depression and anger. I offer face to face and telephone counselling to employees through an employee assistance programmes, where I have gathered many years of experience in focusing on issues related to the workplace. I recently began working with a charity as a therapist with people who are experiencing someone missing in their lives. My work has evolved over time through ongoing training and my own life path, which gives me my unique perspective on life. I am committed to regular professional development and monthly supervision.

I have a training background in Social Work (Diploma in Social Work /CQSW), a Diploma in Counselling and Supervision (Roehampton) and recently completed a three year training in Psychotherapy at The Amida and Tariki Trust, which is underpinned by Buddhist Psychology. I also have a Post Graduate Certificate in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. I have been involved in teaching adults and have a BA and MA in Fine Art.

The way we will work together

My Counselling approach is Integrative. I combine various therapeutic disciplines because each individual is different, and one approach cannot fit everyone. However, what is most important is working together through a collaborative relationship, in which we find the best route together to bring about further self awareness, understanding and change.

My practice is influenced by my early training as a Person Centred Counsellor, which focuses on the relationship and the uniqueness of each individual. I work with the belief that we all have the potential to grow and find a way through our problems and life experiences. I have been influenced by Buddhist thinking which involves working with our conditioned or habitual reactions and responses, often influenced by the past. Mindful Awareness, can support awareness of patterns which create distress in life and enable us to feel more present and open to our experience in the world. My training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, (CBT). explores how our thoughts and reactions to experiences and situations can influence the way we feel and behave. CBT offers support in challenging limiting beliefs and patterns, enabling you to build coping strategies and find new perspectives to manage behaviour and emotions.

When I work with time limited sessions (usually 8-20 sessions) we may focus on one area of your life and explore together ways to create change, or explore perspectives you have not looked at before. If we work for longer and more in depth this is usually seen as psychotherapy. We will work more intuitively, in a more open ended way with whatever you bring, or comes up for you in the session.

I am a trained artist and although I may not directly work with art in my work with you unless you wish to, I value working with the imaginaton and creative thoughts. This experience can be valuable in supporting you to find connection with your own creativity and imaginative resources.

I work within the British Association of Counselling (BACP) Ethical Framework. Therapy offers a confidential space and what we speak about is between you and me, unless there is a risk of harm to you or someone else.

© 2013 Ebb & Flow Counselling, Ann Rapstoff, all rights reserved