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I describe myself as humanistic because I am interested in what matters to us as human beings, the things we have in common, the characteristics that make us human and above all in the uniqueness of each and every one of us. My approach is continually evolving as I am willing to take on new ideas from the fields of counselling,therapy, science and education in order to provide you, the client with the very best service I can give you.
Originally a person centred counsellor, my work is currently influenced by "human givens" - a relatively new field of psychology which has brought together ideas about what it means to be human from the fields of science and psychology. The philosophy behind this is that we all have needs which we share with other human beings, the need for attention for example and the need to belong, the need for close friends, the need to feel valued, the need to feel competent, the need for status, the need to find meaning in life. Alongside this we are also given the inner resources to get these needs met and to live fulfilling lives. These resources include a well developed imagination and an inner drive to make our situation better.
If you are browsing this website it is because you have a particular need or maybe more than one need that is not currently being fulfilled and that is the cause of your distress. To give you an example. You may have recently been bereaved. Consider for a moment how that person helped you meet some of your needs. Perhaps the deceased is a partner who adored you and gave you lots of attention, perhaps it was an elderly mother that you cared for, and through caring you developed skills and felt a sense of achievement in what you were doing. Perhaps you have just left a job that gave you a meaning or purpose in your life and that has now gone and you don't see any point in getting up in the morning. When people die or life changes it leaves a void that is difficult to fill. You can feel very vulnerable and alone.
However by looking for information to change your circumstances you are demonstrating that you have have the ability to imagine a brighter future for yourself and that you have the desire to make it happen.
This website is here for you to use. If you visit regularly you are likely to find new information as I update the site regularly. If you like creative writing have a look at this section as I put new ideas on there every couple of weeks.
If you choose to come to counselling I can be objective and help you to gain a broader perspective on your life. As a therapeutic counsellor I provide you with the space to reflect on the areas of your life that are not working for you and together we will explore how you can get those needs met and start to feel that life can work for you.
I can also show you how to use creative writing to reflect on your life and to explore options and solutions to your difficulties. This can be relaxing as well as therapeutic. Many clients also find breathing techniques helpful to reduce stress, to calm down and as a way of coping with anger.
Counselling, creative writing and relaxation can all be combined however if you feel you would like to try a creative writing or a relaxation session session before coming to counselling or as an alternative please give me a ring or e-mail me. Tel: 0117 9614081, e-mail sue.sims@blueyonder.co.uk