Hello my name is Ian. I know it can be hard to take the first step to get help and it takes courage. Change can feel challenging and difficult. To really understand ourselves it can help to talk about our experiences and feelings and our relationships with others. I believe I can offer a safe and secure space where you explore some of the blocks that are keeping you stuck and some of the feelings and thoughts that lie behind them. Counselling can give you an opportunity to look at how you can make changes and restore some of the hope that you may feel you have lost. The first time we meet will be a chance to talk about what you what to get out of counselling and how we can achieve that together. Change can be both challenging and exciting but I feel it is important to go at the pace of the person as I believe that you are the expert on you.

How I work

I am an integrative practitioner and this means that I have a core model which is a person-centred approach and use other approaches to fit the needs of  the person I am working with. The main aim of the person centred approach is to treat a person with respect, be non-judgemental and be genuine and open and it is important that the working relationship is based on trust. Other ways of working I use are:  Compassion Focused approach, Mindfulness and Solution Focused therapy. I have included a brief explanation of each:

Compassion Focused approach: many of us have critical judgemental voices in our heads and this approach may help you to access and develop a more gentle, compassionate and nurturing part of yourself.

Mindfulness: much of the time we end up thinking about the future and the past and rarely do we allow ourselves to be in the moment and mindfulness is a way of helping us pay attention to the present and how we are feeling in the moment. It has close ties to meditation.

Solution focused therapy: this approach aims to help you to identify your strengths and areas in your life where you are doing well and to build on these. As people we are changing all the time and it is important to  imagine how we can build the future we want first so that we can then make it happen.

A Bit About Me

I am a registered social worker and have been practicing for 26 years. I have been a counsellor for  six years and for much of this time  I have worked part time as  a counsellor with adults for  the Improved Access to Psychological Therapy Service run by the NHS, undertaking counselling for depression and anxiety. I have experience in both short term and long term work. I have a Post Graduate Diploma in Counselling at Manchester University and I have a Certificate in Counselling for Depression from St John’s University York

I am a member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy.

I have experience in working with the following issues: anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, loss and bereavement, life changes and transitions, relationship difficulties, stress, worry, work related issues, bullying,  child abuse, suicidal thoughts, domestic abuse.

Costs

Sessions last 50 mins and cost £55.  

I am available Wednesday and Thursday evening.

Referral

View our Referral Form

Contact Us

0114 267 8613
info.cornerstone@gmail.com