Individuals

Areas of Expertise & Experience

'Thank you so much for all the help and guidance you have given me over the past year. I am grateful. You have helped me find my true self again. Keep up the good work, you are very good at your job. I am happy again and attending your sessions have really helped. Thank you again.' – P, Ascot.

I have worked as a counsellor for nearly 20 years and in that time I have counselled in a variety of settings including a GP surgery, on the streets with the homeless, in a sixth form college, a private clinic, a drug and alcohol recovery service and most at a University.

I work with adults and young people. In particular I am a specialist in working with adolescent self-harm and extensively engaged with the topic over the years. 

Self-harm in young people can take many forms. Self-harm is generally thought of as cutting, burning, biting or hair pulling; however my research enabled me to gain awareness of other behaviours that could be seen as self harm. These might include unnecessary risk-taking behaviour, sexual promiscuity, over-spending or eating disorders.

I also have specialist knowledge and experience working with the transgender community – this includes those questioning their gender identity, individuals with gender dysphoria and supporting at all different stages of the transgender journey. I see such bravery and commitment when working with this topic. 

I also have experience of working with many other issues, some are outlined below; although I accept that everyone is different and will have a unique experience, therefore exploring how someone perceives their issue or concern is fundamental to my approach as a counsellor. Before you read the list, I would like to stress that it is importance to me that you feel valued as an individual, therefore I try to avoid labels or categories – however it might be helpful for you to know more about my experience.                        

~ Abuse                        ~ Mental Health Issues

~ Addictions                  ~ Men's issues

~ Adolescents                ~ Marital breakdown

~ AIDS/HIV                   ~ Obsessions/OCD           

~ Anger issues               ~ Panic attacks           

~ Anxiety                       ~ Phobias

~ Bereavement               ~ Post trauma reactions

~ Bullying                       ~ Redundancy

~ Cultural issues             ~ Relationships

~ Death anxiety              ~ Self-esteem

~ Depression                  ~ Self-harm

~ Divorce                       ~ Sex related issues

~ Eating disorders          ~ Sexual orientation

~ Family breakdown       ~ Separation  

~ Health concerns/issues ~ Sexual Identity

~ Identity issues             ~ Stress

~ Loss                           ~ Work related issues

 

►Richard Carroll ► 01252 598674 ►07876 200559