Counselling can be incredibly beneficial! Whether you’re facing stress, anxiety, relationship challenges, or just need to talk things through, a trained counsellor can offer support, understanding, and practical strategies to help you navigate your situation. Many people find that counselling not only helps them feel heard and validated but also empowers them to make positive changes in their lives. If you’re considering it, know that taking this step is a courageous and hopeful move towards a brighter future!
Counselling, Where to Start?
1 Take a moment to reflect on what you’re dealing with (e.g. anxiety, relationship issues, or perhaps seeking personal growth) and what you’re hoping to achieve through counselling.
2 Think about the type of counsellor you are likely to connect with, as a good therapeutic relationship is important if you really want to reap the benefits.
3 Know that there’s no one size fits all when it comes to counselling. The great thing about being an integrative counsellor is I am qualified in several approaches which allows me to fully tailor therapy to suit your needs. I’ve provided a little information on each approach below, but please feel welcome to contact me with any questions you might have.
Humanistic
A compassionate approach to mental health that focuses on personal growth and self-discovery. It encourages exploration of feelings and experiences in a supportive, non-judgemental environment. By fostering authenticity and believing in everyone’s potential for positive change, therapists help clients strengthen their sense of self and empower them to make fulfilling life choices. It’s all about nurturing the whole person.

Person-Centred
A humanistic approach that fosters personal growth in a supportive environment. Many people lose touch with their true selves by conforming to others’ opinions. In counselling, clients receive empathy and unconditional support, helping them feel valued. This nurturing atmosphere allows them to reconnect with their authentic selves and encourages them to embrace who they truly are.
Transactional Analysis
Empowers individuals to explore their communication styles through three ego states. By fostering a collaborative, non-judgemental environment, TA helps clients solve problems and develop practical tools for daily life. The goal is to regain autonomy, awareness, and intimacy, while promoting healthier interactions. Together, clients and therapists identify and change limiting patterns to unlock each person’s potential.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Explores how our thoughts influence our feelings and actions. Our reactions stem from learned behaviours, but the great news is we can unlearn them! By identifying negative thought patterns, clients can develop new, flexible ways of thinking, leading to positive changes in feelings and behaviours.
Psychodynamic
Focuses on how our unconscious thoughts, influenced by childhood experiences, affect our current behaviours and emotions. It suggests that hidden urges can cause us to repeat patterns. Therapy helps uncover these thoughts, providing valuable insights into ourselves. This process is usually long-term and aims to reveal these hidden feelings for better understanding and personal growth.

Where Does Counselling Take Place?
At Argyle Counselling in-person sessions will take place in a warm and cosy room at my home in Rayleigh. It’s a comfortable setting that allows us the privacy to focus on your needs without interruption. Make the space yours – too bright? Drop the blinds. Want to be cosy or like a comforter? Grab a blanket. Need to calm your nerves or find it easier to talk when your hands are busy? Help yourself to a choice of fidget toys. It’s your space!
I understand that not everyone will be able to travel whatever the reason, so I also offer online counselling via Microsoft Teams. For this, you do not need to download anything, simply follow the link I provide. As with face-to-face, online counselling also requires privacy so you will need a safe space where you won’t be overheard or interrupted.

Blog
I invite you to explore my blog where you’ll find valuable insights and resources on mental health and counselling.
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Take the First Step
I invite you to reach out to explore how I can support you in enhancing your emotional well-being.