Welcome to Ashbourne Conselling Centre

Temple Fortune near Golders Green, NW11, North London

General Counselling for adults over 18 years of age

Why Counselling?

At times in our lives we may experience difficulties coping. We may be depressed or confused, feel stuck or disatisfied, lack direction or motivation or feel we lack confidence and self-worth. Counselling provides a safe and supportive environment in which to clarify issues, explore feelings and gain insights into our beliefs and ways of behaving which no longer seem to work for us.

I offer a person-centred approach to counselling, a humanistic model of therapy based on the work of Carl Rogers. This model embodies the belief that all living organisms are subject to a natural law called the “actualising tendency”. This means that every living thing is compelled to strive to reach its potential even though obstacles may sometimes temporarily hinder its growth towards wholeness. Like Carl Rogers, it is my belief that people possess a basic goodness or purity, and given favourable conditions they will endeavour to become “fully functioning human beings” by taking charge of their lives and overcoming their self-limiting beliefs. These beliefs were established in early childhood where we learned to live up to others’ (parents and teachers, friends) expectations of us and we behaved in ways which would earn us love, attention and recognition. Later on, in order to be “worthy” in other people's eyes, we had to suppress our real selves and block out certain feelings and behaviour that may not be considered acceptable. In adulthood, very few of us really love and accept ourselves and our suppressed parts remain hidden to ourselves and others. This results in our feeling alienated, disempowered, fragmented and depressed.

In my experience, this journey of self-discovery is a process whereby a person comes to understand how his or her mind works and how self-made obstacles, fears and negative thinking can cause emotional pain and psychological suffering. Therapy provides a confidential and safe space within a trusting relationship for this self-inquiry to take place. It is a path to freedom from being a prisoner of one’s “self” so that one can regain one’s power, feel authentic and whole, fulfil one’s potential, enjoy one’s life free from fears and anxieties and be in control rather than a victim of circumstances.

I find that after therapy clients manage to regain their power and find their inner rescources. They rediscover their self-belief, gain confidence and learn to accept and value themselves as they are, rather than seeking acknowledgement and approval from others. They also learn to develop new patterrns of behaviour which help them to be more authentic and fulfilled as human beings.

People seek counselling for a variety of issues, some of which may be:

• Menopause
• Mid Life Transition
• Personal development
• Relationship problems
• Stress
• Surviving Trauma
• Eating disorders
• Feelings of confusion, difficulties with family and personal relationships