Elaine Benardout

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'I have found that therapy with Elaine has helped me to feel lighter and better able to cope as I can get things off my chest so I don't carry the burden any more than I need to.  I feel that Elaine listens to me, understands me and uses her knowledge and experience to support me, whilst providing the skills to cope'.  AW (Client testimonial).

Clients suggest that my genuine, warm, caring and empathic manner enables them to feel heard and understood.  Sometimes it's easier to explore issues in our lives with someone outside of our circle,  in a confidential, safe and non-judgemental setting.    

I decided to become a counsellor when I realised how honoured I felt that friends could come to me with problems.  I saw that I had the capacity to help and heal people.   I personally know the impact of not being able to speak or share.

Maybe you feel anxious, sad or depressed. You may want to understand your feelings and responses and make positive changes.  It may be that you feel the need to please others, rather than fulfilling your own needs.  Maybe your self-esteem or confidence is low.

Whatever your issues, our work together can help you to grow - to feel more content, accepting and confident of yourself.  

Therapy can be challenging and sometimes fun, reflecting on the ups and downs of life, sometimes simply offering us 'on going maintenance.' 

My approach is soft and conversational and in this way I build trusting relationships.  I can help with home or work issues you may have, ranging from self - acceptance, stress, health issues, depression, general anxiety, relationships, racial identity, life transitions and more.     

As a counsellor with a professional background in business and training,  I can, where appropriate, combine job related coaching with therapy, to help you to navigate change and disappointment.  Using a consultative approach I can support and challenge you in developing coping strategies, helping you to manage and grow in ways you would personally like to.   

Practical tools have helped my clients to feel more empowered and cope more effectively.  Including tools to identify patterns of behaviour,  negative thoughts, breathing exercises and communication techniques and more.  

Therapy is not one size fits all.  I offer an integration of talking therapies so I can choose the techniques and models best suited to your requirements.  Including:  CBT (cognitive behaviour therapy tools for behavioural change), humanistic therapy (working with the present) and psychodynamic therapy (exploring the past).   

When we can express difficult feelings and understand ourselves more deeply, we start to make sense of our experiences.  Then we can be better at coping with change. 

Expect compassionate, down to earth support without judgement from me, in a safe and confidential space. 

Please email me and we can arrange a complimentary introductory call (with no obligation to proceed).