Beverley Higgins – Humanistic Integrative Counsellor

BSc (Hons) Psych, Adv. Dip. Int. Couns, MBACP, (Accred)

Introduction – How I work and What you can expect.

I work in a humanistic manner; focussing attention on the whole person, encompassing the physical, psychological & emotional wellbeing of a person, which are all vitally important for everyday functioning and good quality of life.  In my counselling I adopt an integrative approach so I am trained and experienced in most models, approaches & issues of therapy.

(Including - Attachment Theory, Person Centred Counselling, Gestalt Therapy, Transactional Analysis, Neuro Linguistic Programming, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Brief Therapy, The 7 Level Model, The 5 & 8 Relational Needs Models, Thought Field Therapy, Rape & Sexual Violence, Torture, Childhood Abuse, Eating Disorders, Domestic Violence, Trauma, Substance Abuse & Addiction, Personality Disorders, BACP Ethics & Law, Creative Interventions e.g. dream work, sand tray, art, miniatures etc.  Transpersonal approaches, Body Therapy and practical skills work etc.)

I believe in the integrative approach to therapy as everyone is unique, presenting with different experiences and varying issues, functioning emotionally & cognitively on many levels, it is valuable & beneficial to offer many differing therapy methods to meet individual needs.  Therefore you will have a personal counselling programme tailored to meet your specific needs and working in your best interests within your own emotional realms.

Sessions tend to utilise talking therapies but can include a variety of creative interventions including; art, modelling, stones, dolls & puppets, sandtrays, miniatures world, dream work, body trauma work, visualisations & imagery, chair work, writing, music etc...

My main experience and specilaist areas of work are with survivors of rape, sexual violence, childhood sexual abuse & sexual torture, and sexuality & gender identity issues.

I have experience working with clients from a wide range of ages, varying genders, ethnicities and a multitude of backgrounds dealing with such issues as rape, childhood abuse, domestic violence, bereavement, self harm, addiction, eating disorders, relationship/family breakdown, work problems etc.

The counselling will be set at a pace you are comfortable with. You will be responsible for your thoughts and feelings that you bring into the sessions and what you are ready to work with.  The session is there for you.  It is important that you are honest & open and willing to engage in the process.  You will not be forced to share anything you are not ready for, however you may be encouraged or gently challenged at times when it is felt it is needed to move you forward.  The sessions offer you a safe space to explore your issues and feelings, where you can work through your difficulties together with me, your counsellor.  I will show you understanding and be supportive and help you to raise your own self awareness & ability to cope & deal with your issues.

As your counsellor, I through specialist training & interventions facilitate your own personal growth & development.  I am professional yet an easily approachable; compassionate, empathetic, genuine, non judgemental counsellor.  For the professional therapeutic relationship to establish; a trust, respect & value must be developed between yourself (the client) & I (the counsellor).  As your counsellor I will abide by the Ethical & good practice guidelines of The British Association of Counsellors & Psychotherapists.

Please do not hesitate to contact me with any queries or questions you may have.