Counselling Derby

Free 30 mins Consultation Available – Please contact me for more details.

Counselling – What is counselling?

The term counselling can mean different things to different people, even to trained counsellors. There are many types of counselling all with their own unique psychological or philosophical understanding, their own way of delivering therapy to help the client. For example, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), existential therapy, psychodynamic therapy or couples counselling to name a few. Whether you looking for counselling in derby or anywhere in the world I am sure I can help, and if I cannot then I will point you in the right direction.

The NHS website defines counselling as:

“A talking therapy that involves a trained therapist listening to you and helping you find ways to deal with emotional issues.”

This is a very simplified explanation of counselling; however, it captures the essence of talking therapies.

How counselling works

Counselling sessions regardless of whether they are face to face or online take around 60 minutes. In this time, you can talk openly about your concerns. In order to gain as much information as possible I will ask open questions about your problem, as well as probing questions if needed in order to build a picture.

Throughout this process, as your Counsellor, I will be empathic, non-judgmental and attentive so that you feel you can talk openly about your thoughts, feeling and emotions. Through this unique therapeutic relationship, I will also provide understanding, information, interpretations and act as an objective sounding board.

At times I may challenge what is being said if it conflicts with associated thoughts and feelings. Remember this time is your time to explore whatever you want so it is paramount that you ask questions, challenge me, share with me whatever you feel comfortable sharing. Everything is relevant.

One of the key components of success in therapy is the relationship between the client and the counsellor (this is called ‘therapeutic alliance’). Just like any successful relationship, in order for it to function optimally all the necessary ingredients have to be available. I am a firm advocate of this concept and will work to maintain this throughout your journey.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

One of the most commonly used forms of therapy is cognitive behavioural therapy. The basic premise of CBT is to help the client become aware of their own patterns of thinking and then to challenge those thoughts using evidence based proven techniques and methods. This enables the client to better understand their own internal world, providing the client with more realistic choices that they can act on.

Couple Counselling

Let’s face it, relationships of all kind can be difficult, the romantic kind can be joyful as well as distressing. Relation distress is a common proponent of most romantic relationships, and if anyone tells you they have a perfect relationship then I would suggest the relationship is in trouble.

It is not that couples should not have distress in their relationship, this is normal, it is how the couple manage their differences that accounts for a harmonious relationship. If a destructive pattern persists then the relationship may be heading in the wrong direction.

Relationship counselling requires a unique approach if the couple are to be helped. This needs to be approached by a therapist who has trained in couple counselling. Couple counselling done by a therapist who has no training in this field can do more damage than good.

Anil has done extensive training in couple therapy. For many years couple counselling has been straggling behind in the counselling world until the last ten to fifteen years. There are now lots of good evidence-based couple counselling approaches.

Anil has trained in The Gottman Method level 1 & 2 clinical training which is one of the leading exponents of couple counselling in the world. In 2017 Anil trained in the evidence-based Existential-Humanistic Integrative Couple Therapy (EHICT) approach which also integrates Imago and Emotional Focused Therapy.  Anil was one of the first therapist to be trained in this approach by the creator Dr Monica Mansilla.

In 2020 Anil advanced his training in Existential-Humanistic Approach to Relationship Therapy (HEART) which is accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA). Anil is now part of the team providing this training around the world using the HEART approach.

Hypnotherapy

What is hypnotherapy?

Since my very first hypnotherapy client back in 1999 I have helped thousands of people with their emotional/psychological and behavioral issues. However, hypnotherapy still carries many misconceptions. Let’s clear these up first.

During hypnosis you don’t lose control as is sometimes portrayed in the media. Hypnosis is a natural state of relaxation and concentration, with a heightened awareness induced by suggestion. The client is fully aware of what is being said and hears everything.
It’s important to remember also that you cannot be made to do anything against your will as a person’s own moral code will protect them from doing so.

Once the individual achieves this heightened state of focus and concentration with the aid of suggestions from a trained hypnotherapist. The person becomes more receptive to suggestions, such as reducing anxiety, of changing an individual’s relationship with food and stress eating.

A short list of common issues that can be helped with talking therapies:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Phobias
• Addictions
• Relationships issues
• Anger
• Sleep issues
• Bereavement

Your Therapist

Over the last 20 years I have been offering individual and couple counselling to people in and around the midlands. I started my full-time counselling practice in Burton upon Trent and Derby back in 1999. Since 2014 I have been sharing my time as a therapist between the UK and Dubai helping people deal with their emotional and psychological concerns.

Since 2011 I have been seeing more and more clients via online platforms as this is more convenient for both parties.

My approach

My role as a therapist is to help you find a way forward, to assist you in making sense of your distress. Over the last twenty years I have trained in various psychological models including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), counselling, existential therapy, couple counselling, hypnotherapy and mindfulness. This allows me to utilise the best approach for each client.

There are lots of different types of therapy out there, and lots of different titles like counsellor, psychotherapist, psychologist etc. It can all be very confusing if you are not familiar with this domain. If you feel you need counselling or other types of therapy please do get in touch to discuss further, and if I cannot help I’ll point you in the right direction.

Customer Reviews

Have a question?

If you have any questions please either email me: info@changetherapies.com or use the simple form below:

Free 30 minute consultation available – Please contact me for more details.