Gary Walton

If you have landed on my profile you may have already sifted through many counselling profiles and still feel unsure which counsellor would best suit you, especially if you are new to counselling and feeling troubled. I offer a free 15-minute Zoom session where I can share some of my experience to help you establish the right route for you, whether that be with myself or another counselling professional.

Who am I?

I am a registered Psychodynamic Counsellor (often referred to as a Psychotherapist) who has many years experience working in private practice and as a Staff Counsellor at Highgate Counselling Centre. I have effectively worked with individuals struggling with low mood, anxiety, stress, loneliness, low self esteem and self worth, as well as more acute issues like suicidal thoughts, self harm and relationship difficulties. I am motivated to assist individuals in understanding the patterns and the behaviours that are not only troubling them in the present, but also negatively impacting their hopes and expectations for the future.

How would I help you?

Firstly I would listen attentively and show a genuine interest in what is troubling you at this current time and recognise how it is impacting your day-to-day life. I would be curious about your life story and consider how this may be influencing your current outlook, both positively and negatively. If and when appropriate, I may look to make connections between current difficulties and past experiences, which may allow space for historic thoughts and feelings to be shared in a environment where we can explore them with consideration and care. Often there can be a real sense of relief and enthusiasm when connections are made, especially when this level of self awareness previously felt out of your reach. This can be highly motivating, especially as you recognise the potential for hope and transformation, and how that would positively affect your life. This developed self awareness can contribute to an increase in self esteem and self worth, whilst building confidence in your own ability to not only deal with, but also manage life's challenges.
 

Additional Experience 

I am the Health and Well-Being Co-ordinator for Reveley Lodge Trust in Bushey, and responsible for the use of Reveley Lodge and its surrounding gardens in the service of individual health and well-being.

Additional Training

Certificate - Integrating Artwork into your Counselling Practice

* There are times when you may not be able to find the words to express what is troubling you. In this instance art can play a role in helping to unlock and reveal feelings and emotions that may feel slightly out of reach otherwise. This can be an extremely rewarding way of working together and bring you much closer to working through what is troubling you.

Certificate - Working Towards Well-Being : Building Resilience in the Workplace

* I often work with, but not exclusively, individuals who are struggling with low self worth and low mood, individuals who may not be feeling resilient in their day-to-day life, but may be especially concerned that their perceived lack of resilience could be negatively impacting their job and their family life.

My Practice and Ethics

My practice is set within a calm and peaceful environment in Bushey, Hertfordshire. As a BACP registered member I adhere to the BACP’s ethical code and am committed to its high standards of practice and continued professional learning. I also am in regular supervision, which allows my work to be continually assessed in order to guarantee I am offering the best possible service to clients. 

What to Expect from the First Session

A first session will give you the opportunity to ask me any questions you may have about how I work and what to expect from counselling. We can also think about whether you would like to work together for a short period or open ended. This session will also provide us both with the opportunity to establish whether we will be a good fit, and whether working together will benefit you. After that, I will arrange a time slot for your regular weekly session.

Final Thoughts

Life is difficult and we can never know what challenges lay ahead for us. Carrying around emotional baggage from the past can make these challenges seem even more daunting and push you into dark places. By establishing a therapeutic relationship we can look to build resilience through improved self awareness, so that when the difficult challenges arise you can deal with them without the past weighing heavy on your shoulders.

Everybody is unique so it may be that the list above doesn't highlight what you are experiencing. If so please contact me through email and we can arrange a free 15 minute Zoom call to discuss if further.