ABOUT ME
My name is Steve and I am fully qualified person-centred psychotherapist. My private practice is located in Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire.
The thing I love about counselling is offering a space where people can be fully themselves and seeing how people transform when given this opportunity.
I began my journey as a counsellor working as a volunteer therapist for a local charitable agency. I witnessed clients regaining their power as they felt accepted and started the process of trusting themselves again.
I have worked with people from different backgrounds, diverse cultures, different sexualities and ages. This lies at the heart of what I do. Each of us are unique and every session brings something new. Everyone is welcome.
Qualifications:
Post Graduate Diploma in Person - Centred Counselling
COSCA Counselling Skills Certificate
SVQ 4 Leadership and Management of Care Services
Higher National Diploma in Communication
I have over 20 years of experience as a registered manager of mental health services in my previous career. I provided support to a wide range of people who were experiencing a variety of mental health issues.
I believe that the wellbeing of our bodies is strongly linked to our emotional being.
I have practiced Vinyasa Yoga for many years.
This helps me to be more present in myself, a vital aspect of being more present with others.
I also practice mindfulness and meditation.
My Work
Whether it feels too big to talk about, or even too small to bother with, if it's making you feel anxious or disrupting your life it may be reassuring to talk to someone who knows how to help.
My approach is person-centred, which means that I respect the ability within all of us to grow and develop to be who we fully are, given the right growth conditions for us to achieve this.
This requires a unique kind of relationship and an authentic and transparent way of communicating as the basis for self-exploration.
Be understood
By tuning into how you are feeling, together we will shape the meaning behind what you're experiencing. In this way you can move around freely and start to join the dots to better understand the deeper layers of any difficulties.
It's simple, yet it can have a powerful effect.
Be fully you
Importantly you will not be judged and so you'll discover a sense of freedom to share those emotions and thoughts that we're not "supposed" to express, finding all facets of yourself being accepted.
Be well
Once you are able to move freely in your experience, emotions surface, new understanding emerges and with this movement comes change, self-acceptance and a growing self-knowledge that gives you more resilience to live how you truly want, beyond the expectations of others.
Clients
People come to see me for many different reasons.
Often there's a particular issue which is impeding upon their day to day life such as social anxiety; low mood or work related stress. It could be a bullying or traumatic experience; an addiction that's taking over; a bereavement or relationship break-up that feels all consuming. Other relational issues may include discomfort around body image; loneliness; fear of intimacy, and difficulty expressing anger without shame.
Sometimes people want an impartial reflective space as part of their personal development to get to know themselves better, to understand painful emotions, how to get their needs met, and ultimately to live a fuller life and have more rewarding relationships.
There's no right or wrong, no discrimination.
In this space you can put yourself first and make those important steps towards personal growth and feeling a greater level of comfort in yourself.
"I found Steve to be warm and welcoming, we soon built up a good rapport where I felt very comfortable. The changes I made over several months really improved my well-being and made a very positive impact on my life. I'm grateful to know that I can go back and see Steve if and when I need to, I see this as another tool in my toolkit to look after myself."
KD, Stonehaven
Services
It can be difficult to take the first step towards therapy, to understand all the different approaches and find the best match so if you have any questions please do get in touch. I'll be more than happy to talk through things if that's easier. I offer a free 20 minute initial consultation.
Room Sessions
Located in Stonehaven, not far from the town centre. My room is a comfortable engaging space.
60 minutes, £50
Online & Telephone Sessions
Some people enjoy the flexibility of being in their own home during sessions.
60 minutes, £50
Outdoor Sessions
People often feel more free outdoors. I offer outdoor sessions in safe locations that still provide confidentiality.
60 minutes, £50
