I offer pluralistic therapy, which means that I am trained in a variety of methods (including person-centred, humanistic, CBT and psychodynamic models). I will work with you to co-create therapy that is personalised to your needs and preferences. We will develop an approach that meets you exactly where you are, purposefully moving to where you want to be.
Some clients like using creative methods, or working outdoors. Some prefer to work online, or in my comfortable and cosy room, or by phone. Sometimes, clients like to mix and match these approaches. We will try things out, and come to a way of working that you find supportive and effective.
How does pluralistic counselling work?
Pluralistic therapy is a collaborative approach, created together. We will begin by exploring your reasons for coming to therapy, as well as what you want to happen as a result of our work together. When we understand what you want and need, as well as what is getting in the way, we will build an approach and review as we go along. Therapy is founded on a relationship of trust and care, and I will make sure that you feel safe and comfortable working with me.
I won’t tell you what to talk about, or try to make any decisions for you. But I will ask the kinds of questions that help you to untangle the complex things that are holding you back or causing you pain. I will be alongside you as you explore your situation and your perspective.
I will be listening deeply, your ally, understanding with you what you need and want, and what you feel.
Sometimes you will be inspired by actions that you can take to change your situation or circumstances. Sometimes your feelings about situations will change by themselves, as you tune into and process your feelings. I won’t give you un-asked for or unhelpful advice, but I will suggest things from time to time, to see if they would be helpful for you. Because we will be working closely together, over time I will be able to understand your way of being more deeply, and I will be able to tailor these suggestions more accurately to you.
Some reasons people attend counselling
People come to therapy for all kinds of reasons. Perhaps some of these reasons will resonate with you – or you may have other reasons.
- You may be looking for ways to manage depression or gain relief from anxiety or panic
- There may be a dilemma in your life that you need to resolve
- You might want to talk about a significant issue from your childhood
- You may want to explore how to flourish more deeply, or how to become more authentic in your life
- You may want to achieve more success at work, or in a new career
- Perhaps you want to talk about your relationships or your family. You may have concerns about your partner, parent or child
- You could be struggling with a very difficult situation currently, or affected by the loss of someone or something dear. Sometimes other losses happen in life and you may be struggling with an illness, or a disability, or you may be caring for someone in ill health
- You may want to talk through sexuality or gender issues, or about your intimate relationships
My repertoire
I have specialist skills or knowledge in the following areas, which you may want to draw from in our work together
- Relaxation and breathing exercises for anxiety
- Outdoor / walk and talk therapy
- Trauma processing and containment
- Graded exposure for panic treatment
- Creative methods (a wide range of easy and enjoyable materials to use)
- Mindfulness and meditation
- Gender, sexuality, relationship diversity
- Childhood trauma
- Plural or dissociative identity, and parts of self
- Grief, loss, and bereavement
- Neuro-diversity and neuro-differences
My values
Some values and principles underpin all my work with people. Primarily, I believe in justice and equality, in the therapeutic relationship, and in society more widely. I also value collaboration and creativity – I think that when two minds work together, they are stronger, more radical, and more innovative. I believe that it is my responsibility to be an expert, as far as possible, in therapeutic approaches and skills. And I also respect and value your expertise, knowledge, and autonomy. Finally, I will be trustworthy. You will be able to trust that what I say, and what I do, are consistent. I will be honest and transparent in our work, and reliable.
Who do I work with?
I see adults and groups from a wide range of backgrounds.
I offer a safe and confidential service, and I am a BACP accredited therapist, working to a strict code of ethics.
I am politically committed to equality, inclusivity, and diversity. I am proactively anti-oppressive in my practice.
As a matter of social ethics, I see some clients at a reduced rate, for a maximum of eight sessions. I usually ask for evidence that you are in receipt of a means-tested benefit, or in some other form of economic hardship.
Please note that I do not work with couples or young children. These are specialised areas of therapy, for which your chosen therapist should be specifically trained and supervised. Do ask your couples or child therapist for evidence of their specific training and experience in that field.
nicolablunden 
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