a holistic approach to mental health and well-being
Stepping back
Life can be a struggle, zapping your energy and leaving you exhausted. It’s very easy to get tangled up in problems. Maybe my counselling approach can show you a way to press “pause” and take a step back from life to see what’s really going on – perhaps gain a different perspective?
How I work
My approach to counselling is very much person-centred which means I don’t direct you or tell you what to do. Instead I offer the space for you to explore your thoughts, feelings and worries at your own pace. I’ll also offer a different perspective on your situation as a neutral observer. Within a supportive, caring environment, I’ll help you find the answers to your problems, utilising your own inner resources. Sometimes we need to be reminded that they are there and how best to use them! I’ll navigate but you drive!
First steps
I know how hard it is to ask for help and by looking at this website you are already a step closer to making positive changes. So, for a no obligation chat please phone me. If I’m unavailable and you’d like me to return your call, please leave a message on my voicemail and I will call you back as soon as possible. Alternatively, you can use the contact form for further information or to make an appointment.
“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step” (Lau Tzu)
PRESS PAUSE BY PRESSING PLAY
If you are feeling stressed right now, take a moment to press pause on your day. Get comfortable, play this short video and listen to this guided meditation talk you through a 10 minute mindfulness practice. By the end you should feel a little calmer. If you are short on time you can always do the 2nd meditation which is just over a minute long. Give it a go. What have you got to lose except a minute of your time.
Counselling Approach
Manchester Mind Matters provides counselling for individuals who need support to improve their mental health and well-being. I offer an approach tailor-made to suit the individual needs of my clients which can include person-centred counselling, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and other approaches detailed below. All of this takes place in a safe and supportive environment.
outdoor therapy
Over recent years I have developed a keen interest in the role of nature and the outdoors on well-being. There are many benefits to so called “eco-therapy” including reducing stress, lowering blood pressure and boosting immunity. As a result of my interest I have piloted and developed my own “walk and talk” counselling approach. So if the idea of sitting in an office doesn’t appeal and you’d like to take your therapy outdoors please contact me to discuss or see my page on outdoor therapy for further details.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
I am also able to offer Cognitive Behaviour Therapy which is evidenced as being an effective treatment for anxiety, panic, depression, phobias and post-traumatic stress disorder. CBT looks at how our thoughts, feelings are behaviour are interlinked and helps people develop strategies for breaking the spiral of negative thinking.
Mindfulness
Alongside my traditional counselling work and “eco-therapy” I regularly integrate aspects of mindfulness to complement the work. Mindfulness uses guided meditation and other exercises to be more “in the moment”. It’s a way of being more aware of what is actually going on in our experience rather than what we think is happening. As awareness increases, we are able to notice and choose to alter more negative patterns of thinking and behaviour. It also encourages fuller enjoyment of life helping to savour good times whilst being more prepared for life’s challenges. It can be particularly helpful for managing stress and anxiety.
I currently offer mindfulness on a 1-1 basis on its own or in conjunction with counselling or CBT. More recently, I have started using it within Walking Therapy where it fits wonderfully. We use the backdrop of the landscape and what we notice during a walk to bring us back into the present moment.
Why not try the mindfulness taster video shown above so you can experience it for yourself.
Interested in reading about improving mental health and well-being? Then subscribe to my newsletter today.
I won’t bombard you with emails. My Press Pause Newsletter will go out no more than once a month and be filled with interesting information, advice and top tips relating to health and well-being.
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