My Approach

As a psychodynamic counsellor, I believe that each person is the product of his/her own individual history, formed by his/her earliest relationships and experiences. As such, everything he/she does has some logic or purpose according to some personal system, no matter how seemingly irrational. Many of the difficulties we face in our lives today can be traced back to unresolved issues from our past, even those we may not be able to understand or even be aware of. I am trained to work with you to try to identify issues and patterns from the past and, without giving advice, help you to explore alternative ways of being.

Fundamental to all my work is the quality of my relationship with my client.  I respect each one as an individual whose experience is singular and particular to him/her. Unconditional regard – the ability to accept others, whatever they say or do, without pre-conditions – is a crucial aspect of my work. Although I participate actively in our sessions, making observations and offering interpretations as appropriate, I believe that it is ultimately the client who has the power to make changes. My role is to assist in the process.

Whether a client comes to counselling on an open-ended or time-limited basis varies according to the different needs and objectives of each individual. One may choose to come for just a few sessions to focus on a particular issue; another may prefer to stay for far longer to explore more deeply-rooted difficulties. Either way, this is something we would discuss and agree upon together, with the final decision always being taken in the client’s best interest.

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© Finola Berger 2006   finola@brackenfell.demon.co.uk   Site by BACP