Phil Ashcroft B.A. Hons. Psy/Phil. Dip.Integrative Counselling.

Eaton Grantham Lincs NG32
01476 870098 philashcroftwordworks.blogspot.com Click here to Email me

Profile

Angry, anxious, muddled,guilty,ashamed, dispirited, have a sense that life is pointless and that you are drifting out of control? These are feelings we all have at times.They are human. They are normal. But sometimes they reach the point where they feel so intense that we need to talk to someone who is not going to judge, someone who can help you work through what is going on in your life. That is when a counsellor, such as myself, can help. 

Counselling offers a way of clarifying what you think and of gaining insight into your feelings. This enables you to make the decisions you need to make, regain your sense of self and develop a more satisfying way of living so that you can experience those other human and normal feelings: love, happiness, a sense of meaning and belonging.

My approach draws on the methods and insights of the major schools of therapeutic thought. This is usually described as an 'integrative' style of counselling. It is also strongly influenced by my interests in philosophy, art, literature and meditation.

I am currently available for face to face counselling on:
      Mondays day and evening,
      Thursdays during the day,
      Fridays during day and evening.

I can also work via E mail or phone or visit you at home or at another venue you feel comfortable. I am flexible. I do not believe that counselling need necessarily be restricted to a consulting room.

For further information about my approach and my views, you may wish to look at my blog in which I expound my opinions on different schools of counselling and how they can help you work with emotional distress.

Training, Qualifications & Experience

B.A. Hons. Psychology and Philosophy, Hull University, 1973.

Diploma in Integrative Counselling, Central School of Counselling and Therapy, 1999.

As well as providing individual counselling in a variety of settings, I have also organised and run therapeutic courses in art, drama and creative writing.

I have extensive experience in the field of mental health but would like to emphasise that I do not favour the 'medicalisation' of human distress that occurs there.

I have also worked as a horticultural therapist -I've a strong interest in the therapeutic value of the natural world.

I have trained and worked as a locum counsellor for Lighter Life supporting both men and women with weight loss programmes using Transactional Analysis and Cognitive Behavioural methods.

I constantly update my knowledge of counselling and therapy. Currently I am looking at the scientific confirmation of the beneficial effects on the brain and mood of Buddhist mindfulness meditation.

Areas of counselling I deal with

• Anxiety
• Bereavement
• Depression
• Low Self-Confidence
• Low Self-Esteem
• Spirituality
• Stress
• Work Related Issues

Therapies Offered

• Humanistic Therapies
  - Person-Centred Counselling
  - Existential Therapy

• Other Therapies
  - Integrative

Fees

I charge £30 per hour for face to face work.

I charge £20 per hour for work via phone and E-mail and other contexts.

Further Information

For my own reflections on the experience of being human, the world we've found ourselves in, the nature of therapy, and more visit my blog:

philashcroftwordworks.blogspot.com

I am in the process of changing my mobile number, which I use exclusively for work. My land line is also my family phone line. You are most welcome to phone me on this number but be aware that another member of my family may answer the phone.

• Online, email or telephone counselling available