Paula Dawson Counsellor, Registered Member MBACP (Accred)

About me

About me,

My name is Paula. I am an experienced Intergrative Counsellor. Registered and Accredited with BACP. I work with individuals and couples.

As an Intergrative Counsellor I do not draw on one therapeutic school of thought. I am trained and experienced in many theorectical approaches. I believe in indivduality and that one theory does not work for all.

I also believe that individuals are the experts on their lives and that my role as a Counsellor is to provide a safe confidential setting and offer a trusting relationship where together we can explore any concerns, issues or difficulties you may be experiencing.

When working with couples I focus on the relationship between the couple and raise awareness on how they relate to one another. I provide a space for each to be heard and to learn how to listen. If couples can see how they relate differently to one another they are better able to develop skills to communicate with one another and begin to navigate through their difficulties both inside and outside the counseling room.

In my experience having provided such an environment clients gain awareness and understanding which gives them options that prior to counselling they did not have. With this new clarity clients are able to make decisions and move forward with their lives where before they did not feel able to do so.

What to expect,

In our initial session I will discuss my contract with you, this outlines the boundaries and confidentiality. I will also ask a few questions to gather information and to check that I am appropriate person to be working with you. I also use this time to check if you have any questions for me. This will take a few minutes.

We then move straight into counselling. Counselling is a process of exploring you and your concerns in a non judgemental setting.

At the end of this first session I will take a few minutes to check with you how you found session and if you feel that you would like to continue counselling with me. If you choose to continue we will discuss weekly appointments and where possible arrange a regular day and time.