Brenda Sawyerr

I have online and telephone counselling sessions available for Tuesday evening and Saturday daytime (subject to availability).

Individual and Couples Online and Telephone Counselling

With over 17 years post qualification experience I have a BSc (Hons) in Person-Centred Counselling, HPDip in Counselling an Advanced Post Diploma Certificate in Person-Centred Couples Counselling and a Diploma in Counselling Supervision.  I am a Graduate of The Developmental Model of Couples Therapy Training under Ellyn Bader Ph.D. at The Couples Institute.

I provide a private and confidential counselling service to individuals and couples in Greenwich, South East London. I work with a diverse range of people from a wide range of backgrounds and identities.

There are a wide range of reasons why people may decide to seek counselling, that is individual to each person. There may be issues or traumas in the past that are in some way effecting you now or there may be present day issues that are having an impact upon your life. You may be seeking counselling for bereavement, anger issues, depression, anxiety, abuse or relationship issues.

Whatever the reason you are seeking counselling, it can be helpful to have someone to talk with that is not going to judge, analyse or tell you what to do. My aim as a counsellor is to create a safe space to explore, to help you to a deeper understanding of yourself and assist you in finding your own way forward.

As well as my private work, I am a Senior Counsellor at Rape Crisis, I have several years’ experience providing counselling to women in a domestic violence project, I worked in an agency for several years counselling young people aged 13-25. I also worked counselling young people in a secondary school.

Person-Centred Counselling

Person-Centred Counselling is a relational therapy, whose underlying theory respects each individual as a person of unique and equal value. Carl Rogers, the founder of Person-Centred Counselling believed that given the right conditions, each person has the potential within themselves to grow and develop and to know what hurts and what heals.

My aim in working with you is to create an environment in which you feel safe enough to explore your concerns. Therefore, I don't tell you what to do, nor do I analyse you, or lead the therapy in a certain direction. My expertise lies in being genuine in my relationship with you and facilitating you in expressing your thoughts, feelings and experiences without judgment.

In empathising with how you feel and experience things, and in communicating that to you, you can gain further insight and deepen your understanding of your self and the issues troubling you.

The Benefits of Counselling

Counselling can help by providing emotional support, by strengthening the tools for living that you already possess, as well as identify changes that you may wish to make in your behavior or in life. It can also lead to a raised self-esteem, a more positive outlook on life, improved relationships, a sense of inner fulfilment, greater self-acceptance and being more of the person you want to be.

I work with a wide range of issues, such as: abuse (physical, sexual, emotional, mental, financial), anger, anxiety, bereavement/loss, bullying, child related issues, depression, divorce/separation, domestic violence, identity issues, lack of direction/purpose, rape, relationship issues, self-harm, sexual abuse, stress, suicidal thoughts, trauma.

As with all counselling approaches, it may not be suitable for everyone. In that instance I would do my best to refer you to another service.

I would like to acknowledge the courage it takes to make that first step towards counselling as a way to help your self. If you haven't experienced counselling before it's understandable that you may feel nervous or confused about what to expect. If you have had counselling before you may also have some anxieties depending on your previous experience.

The first appointment is an opportunity for us to get a feel for whether we could work together in a way that will benefit you.

As with all our counselling sessions together, anything you say is confidential, and is not discussed with anyone without your informed consent (preferably in writing). However there are exceptional circumstances when it may not be possible to keep confidentiality. This is where there is serious, immediate risk of harm to your self or another person. In all cases I would attempt to discuss this with you first before breaking confidentiality.

We will then explore your personal history, such as, the issues that have brought you to counselling, previous attempts to address issues and your aims in coming to counselling.

At the end of the session you will have gained a sense of how I work. Bear in mind that it can take time to get a 'flow' in the work, therefore to make the best use of counselling it is important to make a commitment to attend on a regular basis.