Patrick Hollingsworth

I understand that it may be difficult in life to find places where you are genuinely listened to and free to explore without judgment. We all have internal lives as well as external ones that are entirely unique. As a result, the lived experience may be difficult or confusing at times and I’m here to help. 

I attained an MSc in Counselling after completing my undergraduate degree in psychology. Through my research, I understood the importance of the types of space and relationships required for people to understand themselves better. I have 2 years’ experience working for Guernsey Mind delivering in person and phone therapy sessions for a wide variety of clients with varying needs. 

In my sessions, I aim to provide an understanding safe and judgment free environment for you to explore your experiences, emotions, hopes and fears. In these sessions, the direction and topic are up to you as we can discuss whatever you have on your mind. I can provide structure and order to how we discuss these topics if needed but the topic itself is yours to decide. These sessions use an integrative therapy approach. This flexible approach enables individuals to receive the therapeutic styles they need. This approach is a combination of my listed therapeutic styles utilizing aspects that suit you as a unique individual. Identifying what combination works for you is a collaborative process with your involvement. 

I have been a wilderness guide for much of my career prior to being trained as a therapist. I have worked in a variety of challenging environments being a jungle guide/survival instructor in Belize and Peru as well as a mountain leader in areas of the UK. This part of my career motivated me to retrain as a therapist. While in remote areas with challenging environments such as the Amazon my clients started opening to me about their lives before they arrived in the wilderness. In these environments, people are challenged daily with an absence of distraction provided by modern conveniences. People had the time and inclination to be with their thoughts and sometimes discussing their internal journey with me became as important as discussing the physical challenges of the day. These experiences emphasised to me that internal challenges are as important and valid as external challenges in life requiring just as much attention.

As a result of these experiences and my counselling qualifications I am here to be by your side judgement free as you explore your emotions and lived experience. I provide a safe supportive space to explore new ideas and realisations. Exploring the past and present can help to improve how you feel. In addition to this exploration, we can collaboratively introduce some adjustments to habits/thought patterns that empower you to have confidence in your decisions and your relationship with yourself going forwards in life.

How I work

I offer in person therapy and find this focused environment suitable for most clients to make progress. I have a variety of skills and qualifications that enable a more flexible approach to the environment chosen by clients. 

Office sessions provide a safe comfortable environment for clients to focus entirely on the therapy without distractions. In addition, I can provide green therapy options such as a simple walk and talk for an hour or more challenging options of talking therapy combined with mountain walks and scrambles that are longer in duration. If these options seem right for you feel free to contact me with any questions you have. 

For those with busy lives or with transport difficulties or any other reason, phone sessions are also available.