Gary Arbuthnot

***As of 25th March 2020, due to Covid19, I will be working solely online video via Zoom. This is a safe online video platform which can be used via smartphone, tablet, laptop/PC. ***

Coming to a place in life were you feel stuck or at a loss as to how to deal with past issues, current situations or future fears is a difficult one. I believe it takes great courage to recognise, seek and accept support at times, it also makes absolute sense for most of us.

Many people who seek counselling cannot fully identify the source of what is disturbing them. Often, difficulties can manifest in the guise of generalised anxiety, sadness, depression or in a feeling of emptiness. Perhaps you feel like an imposter, questioning your right to happiness, role or relationships. Do you feel like life is passing you by, that other people have some secret to fulfillment that you missed out on? Is much of your time taken up with thoughts of the future, thinking whenever this happens or that happens, happiness will finally come? Do you use alcohol, drugs, shopping, sex, medication, internet, gambling or any other substance or behavior to alter how you feel and find it difficult to stop, despite negative consequences in your life? My aim is to provide a safe, confidential and accepting environment to explore any aspect of your life that is causing you difficulty and try to find ways of moving past these barriers.

I have been working with people in crisis since 1994 and have extensive experience in the areas of suicide, addictions and trauma, although my work takes in many other areas of life experiences. I worked for 17 years as a specialist advisor to Emergency Services in relation to victims of suicide. This work involved close liaison with family and friends of missing, vulnerable and suicidal people. Much of this work was face to face counselling and negotiation with people experiencing suicidal ideation and at times in the process of attempting to end their own lives. This work gave me a deep understanding and empathy for those experiencing suicidal ideation and for the family, friends and colleagues of victims.

As a qualified trainer I have designed and delivered specialist training to professionals working in this area. I have also delivered training to professionals whose work involved extremely high risk to themselves and others, with specific emphasis on the psychological aspects of this type of work.

Throughout this work I dealt with trauma and grief in its most extreme forms. If these are experiences that resonate with you and are causing you or someone you love difficulty or if you have lost a friend or family member to suicide I can offer you a safe place to explore the impact of this in your life.

I am an integrative therapist, which means I can tailor the treatment to suit each individual. I am also a Level 1 Trained Internal Family Systems, (IFS), Therapist.

I am a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, the professional organisation for members of the counselling professions in the UK.

Please feel free to contact me either by telephone or email, if you are wondering could counselling benefit you. If, following our initial contact, you would like to move forward, we would agree an initial assessment appointment and discuss your needs in greater depth. Working with a therapist you connect and feel safe with is crucial in getting the most from counselling.

I am a Level 1 Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapist