Mary Barker Counselling Basingstoke Hampshire

Areas of Speciality
During our sessions we will work collaboratively to identify circumstances in your life that you feel are impossible or difficult to overcome.  We will enable you to develop strategies for both now and the future.

(Where relevant we can work with you to resolve issues of the past which impact on the 'now'.)

I provide a safe, secure and confidential environment for you to explore issues such as:

• Relationship problems (home or work)
• Anger management
• Anxiety/panic attacks
• Bereavement/loss
• Managing change
• Depression
• Feelings of isolation
• Low self esteem
• Stress
• Career development
• Redundancies/CVs
  

These are just some of the challenging areas that counselling can help you with. If you have a problem that isn't listed here please do get in touch to discuss and explore as I may be able to help.


My approach to your therapy
I feel it is a real privilege to work alongside people and base my therapy sessions on a holistic approach that enables you (or where relevant, also your partner, colleague(s) or other family member) to move forward successfully and safely.  Experience, integrity and expertise is what you can expect from our work together, where you can be truly "heard" and have your issues effectively addressed.  Counselling may be short-term, brief 'solution focused', using a range of eclectic and integrative approaches, or, according to your needs, our sessions may be long-term, with regular reviews with an evolving focus to which we mutually agree.

All work undertaken is underpinned by a number of professional Codes of Ethics and Practice, with full Professional Indemnity Insurance and an Enhanced CRB Check held.  Normally we are able to arrange an appointment within 7 working days.  We can make appointments to fit in with your work or home commitments. 

We accept Clients for initial assessment by self referral or referral by a professional, such as GP, Solicitor, Accountant, Manager, Colleague or family member. Where there has been a referral, it is particularly important to ensure that the potential Client fully commits to the counselling work. We do understand that some people may initially attend counselling apprehensively or even reluctantly but we also are confident that by the end of the first session, the individual concerns will have been met and that anyone wishing to continue is aware of the expectations and is fully committed to the arrangement.


What to expect
Following our initial contact and during our first session we will undertake an in-depth assessment to identify the main problem or issue that has brought you to counselling - and equally important there is the opportunity for me to understand the context/culture in which you are living/working. We will also discuss how much time is likely to be needed to fully explore and resolve your issues.

Our ability to work together is important for your therapy to be successful so this is also an opportunity for you to see if you feel I would be a suitable counsellor for you!

Once you decide that counselling is something you wish to undertake, we will discuss how to move forward and address the issues you are experiencing. Your sessions will sometimes be challenging and may involve discussing past issues, present concerns and future uncertainties but I will be working alongside you to ensure your wellbeing.

Whilst we work with people of all ages and backgrounds, and have the capacity to help address major traumas of past and present, it may be that you are feeling a bit "stuck", lost or drifting in life. If this is how you are feeling then don't delay any longer - at least book an assessment session.  Your life IS precious. Beginning to value yourself and making a little investment in yourself is part of beginning that journey of believing your ARE worth it!  The important thing in that journey is taking that first step.


About me
Alongside my counselling and therapy work, I have worked successfully in both public and private sectors pioneering and delivering innovative solutions that address the concerns and issues of individuals, teams and organisations.  This enables me to provide both in-depth therapy AND pragmatic solutions and strategies in other areas of your life or to support those who are significant to you.

I believe we cannot not operate healthily as an "island", but we each operate within a context and culture (which can be seen as barrier or opportunity!).  Support initially may be focused on personal problems/issues OR workplace issues. Frequently people lack congruency and need help in both "worlds", and that is why I set up my own company, The Bridge Consultancy in 1992, to "bridge" all aspects of life and change - (www.thebridgeconsultancy.co.uk).

My goal is to become a source of assistance - a hidden resource - and a bridge to supporting people through times of transition, challenge and change, to help them reach their potential and - where relevant - to really address the issues of the past that persistently impact on their current life and the potential of their future.
 

My fees
Please get in touch for further details about fees and prices (see contact details below).