Paul Duffy

Most people find themselves in dark places at times throughout their lives, questioning who they are, wrestling with difficult questions, trauma, illness, addiction or bereavement. Sometimes people don't have anyone to share these challenges with or can't share them with those close to them. Despite proverbs about sharing problems, as a society we don't really encourage people to open up. I believe that everyone should have the opportunity to do this. I hope to offer a space in which you can feel safe and respected while you explore these challenges and move towards improved mental well being.

I will try to work with you in a way that you want. Primarily I work within the person centred philosophy. Behind the jargon (!) that means in sessions I will strive to create a relationship with you based on understanding, acceptance and honesty. It is through this sort of relationship I hope to help you feel safe enough to truly explore your experiences.

I am unlikely to tell you what to do, we get enough of that in life. You are the expert on yourself I will not try to tell you how to think, feel or act. I believe that if supported the right way you have the capacity to identify and make the changes you want.

​My experience in counselling has been in student counselling services, all age charitable community counselling services and private therapy. 

I have particular interests in addiction, trauma, fertility issues, identity and how people of different genders access support. Actually though I am just interested in working with people.

Often the obvious thing is not the most important thing that people end up bringing to counselling.  

I always look to have a short telephone conversation with clients before we meet face to face. I feel this makes the first session more relaxed, allows me to get a brief idea of what issues you would like to look at, gives you a chance to ask any initial questions and for us to get a feel for working together. Although the first full session will look to collect history for the most part this is not a strict rule. As with all sessions the direction will be mostly up to you. You may find that I ask more questions in the first session and in other early sessions than in later ones.