Christopher Gore

Who Comes to therapy?
The short answer is anyone who feels dissatisfied with their lives or is struggling with a particular problem. As human beings we have to adapt to societies demands and try to fit in to this.  For some this can be at the expense of our true feelings and can leave us feeling lonely, depressed and angry.  We may also just feel plainly unhappy with our lot.  For others not knowing why they feel the way they do may be baffling and frightening leading to a dissatisfaction with life.  In Psychodynamic therapy one can begin to give meaning to why certain behaviours, feelings and thoughts are impacting on one’s life and to free oneself of longstanding problems.

My background, 
In my earlier career I was a fitness instructor helping people to look after themselves via physical fitness but also recognised the benefits exercise had for better mental health. What I noticed was the more we talked during our sessions the better psychologically people felt.  Of course, the endorphins created by exercise are part of this but also someone being alongside listening to the difficulties helped. 
 
I trained as a Social Worker in Palliative Care alongside the fitness and health work before focussing solely on Psychological health.  I undertook further training as a Psychodynamic Counsellor and Psychotherapist in 2000 where I increased my knowledge and understanding of the Psychological health of those I worked with.  My background in physical health has helped connect the two and over the years I have developed an increased understanding on how the body and mind influence each other. This Psychosomatic understanding is useful in the work I currently do.  I have worked in numerous settings over the years with people from all backgrounds with different presenting issues which has helped me develop a way of working that is unique.  I have, alongside my practice, undergone my own scrutiny via an intensive 5 x weekly Psychoanalysis for many years which has enhanced my understanding of the difficulties we can all encounter.  I have regular supervision to help me monitor my own working practice and continue to develop understanding and meaning.
 
I am also a Group analytically trained Supervisor helping less experienced Counsellors and Psychotherapists to develop their work.

A Psychodynamic approach helps link historical events that may have been too painful to process at the time to current difficulties. It allows space to explore thoughts and feelings about yourself as an individual and in relationships with others, with someone trained to listen in a non-directive way. 
The initial assessment
The first step is asking for help which is not always easy.  A short telephone conversation before coming for an assessment can sometimes help with this.  If you decide you would like to come in we will spend up to 90 minutes looking at what it is that you are struggling with and decide a way forward.  This may include deciding on a short number of sessions 6-12 to focus on the problem and to explore it’s meaning for you which can enhance change.  For others a more regular slot of weekly or twice weekly psychotherapy might be more suitable. All ongoing work is for 50 minutes and a contract between us is discussed so the work can go ahead with a mutual understanding of what is being committed to. This helps to implement a safe and secure setting to explore what is on one's mind and for the work to be carried out. The Psychotherapy/Counselling I offer is both in person and online via Zoom.  Whatever brings you here I will take your concern seriously and try to help you think about a way forward.  

What might be impacting on you:

Psychic pain, unease, or symptoms you don’t understand.

Disturbed mood, manifesting as depression, anxiety or anger.

A sense of detachment, loneliness, or emptiness within.

Patterns of repeated difficulties in work, love or friendships.

Self-destructive patterns of behaviour (towards yourself, including self-harm in relationships, bodily self-harm and substance abuse.

Suffering from feelings of doubt, guilt, inner conflict, or low self-esteem.

Unsuccessful attempts with other types of therapies in the past.

Sexual difficulties, obsessions, or physical symptoms.

A feeling of not being able to reach your potential.

A sense of having lost your way or sense of yourself.

A wish to develop a greater capacity to think or to feel, to achieve a deeper understanding of yourself.

If you would like further information please read , my professional qualifications and my testimonial page which shows what others have thought of my work and my fees.  Do contact me if you would like to organise an initial session where we can explore your needs further.

All calls and messages are only accessed by myself and will be treated in the strictest confidence. 

My practice is located in between Woking and Guildford in a very quiet and tranquil setting.  I am easily accessible by car from many areas of Surrey.  My consulting room is located in spacious grounds with free parking. 

Types of Clients:

I offer individual Counselling or Psychotherapy to:

Adults

Adolescents 16-25

Groups

Frequently Asked Questions

When did you qualify?
I completed a 3 year Masters Degree in Psychodynamic Counselling and Psychotherapy in 2003.  I am currently undertaking further study and Analysis at the Institute of Psychoanalysis  to expand, maintain, improve and broaden my clinical knowledge and skills. 

What does Psychodynamically trained mean?
It means I specialised in Psychodynamic theory during my training and believe that early experiences in our lives can continue to impact on here and now current experiences. I am skilled in listening for both conscious and unconscious communication either verbally or via the body. I have spent many years in Psychoanalysis both individually and in a group and has been part of shaping me as a therapist.. This has enhanced my capacity to be alongside you during your therapy and to not be sidetracked by any personal issues of my own.

What about other theories?
I have extensive knowledge of most counselling theories along with group analytical ideas. This has been gained through many years of working in health and educational settings and lecturing on counselling courses,

Are you accredited by a professional organisation? What is the difference between accredited and being a member.

I received professional British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) accreditation in 2007. Prior to this I was a member of BACP and had not undergone a stringent process where my counselling capacity and experience were evaluated.

Do you subscribe to a professional code of ethics?
I adhere to the Ethical Framework for Good Practice in Counselling and Psychotherapy as set out by the British Association For Counselling and Psychotherapy.

What is your confidentiality policy?
All sessions are confidential, however, there may be under exceptional circumstances a need to think together or review when a) I believe a client or third party is at serious risk or b) where I would be liable to civil or criminal proceedings if information a client had shared was not disclosed. I would always think with you first about this and explore with you if you felt this might be problematic.

Do you receive regular supervision?
In line with the professional requirements of the BACP Ethical Framework for Good Practice in Counselling and Psychotherapy I meet on a regular basis with a clinical supervisor and always maintain client anonymity. The aim of supervision is to help me reflect on my clinical work and is essential in my maintaining an ethical and competent work practice and attitude.

Where do sessions take place?
I work from my Consulting room which is located in-between Woking and Guildford, GU22 and easily accessible by car.

What happens in the initial session?
The initial session provides us with an opportunity to explore why help is being sought and whether what I can offer is appropriate, and most importantly, that we both feel comfortable working together.

What happens after the initial session?
If at the end of the initial session, it is felt to be appropriate to continue working together, we can, dependent on your presenting issues/needs, put in place either a short-term focused counselling or longer-term in-depth psychotherapy contract.

What is your availability?
In Woking/Guildford I have availability on Monday - Friday.

I have a lot of experience working with addiction problems as a therapist and Clinical Supervisor.  The presenting problem may include substances, food, exercise, abusive relationships or, a rising concern, compulsive sexualised behaviours which can include pornography, escorts and perverse massages. 

My current fees are:
The initial assessment session lasts for up to 90 mins at a cost of £80

The ongoing once or twice weekly therapy is for 50 mins at a cost of £65 per session. The twice weekly fee can be negotiated.

I work from a cabin within spacious grounds making for a safe and confidential place to discuss any difficulties that one has.