Phil Scott, DipHe (Theology), Dip Couns., MBACP (Reg)

About me

I believe in the value and uniqueness of each individual. I also believe that within each person there is a core, genuine Self. This is what some might refer to as 'potential'. That potential can only find fruition if the conditions for growth are just right, but sadly this is often not the case because of the imperfections of the significant people in our lives, the society around us, and so on.

The counselling work is centred around the creation of a genuine, non-judgemental and empathic therapeutic relationship where there is no agenda. It allows for the real self to have a voice and enables the individual or couple to explore inner tensions and anxieties. This exploration enables each person to realise his/her self-worth and re-assess the various issues and the feelings that exist.

My approach is based on the Person-Centred model of counselling, which as the name suggests is focussed on the individual or couple rather on a set agenda of mine. I may also employ techniques from other schools of thought, for example the Parent/Adult/Child theories from Transactional Analysis. I may sometimes suggest some creative methods, but that will be agreed upon with each person.

It's my privilege to help facilitate the exploration of feelings and issues. I do this not by offering solutions or strategies but by offering empathy, encouragement, supportive challenge, and helping to identify links so that hopefully the individual be able to see things differently.

For work with couples I focus very much on the relationship. It's easy to blame the other person, or even oneself, for what may be seen as the issue or problem. My approach is to initially help you to assess your relationship and to look at how you manage conflict. I'll focus on helping you establish clearer communication between the two of you, irrespective of what the final outcome for your relationship might be.