Peter Rawling

I currently have limited availability from January 2024 onwards at the following times:
Tuesday evenings online at 7pm or 8pm
Wednesday daytimes online or in person in S35, Sheffield
Wednesday evenings in person at 5:30pm or 9pm in S10, Sheffield

I understand my job as providing a space for you where you feel cared for no matter what you say or have done, to help you understand yourself better and to help you to bring change about in your life.

I believed we change when we are cared for unconditionally; that whatever we reveal about ourselves, even the bits we hope no-one ever sees, we will still be cared for. I also believe that we need someone who will truly listen to us, both what we're saying and what we're not and who can see the parts of us that we cannot. We also need someone who has done the work on themselves so that they are clear what is their's and what is yours. I see my job as providing that for you, so that you can change.

I understand a big part of my job as a therapist is to empathetically understand your experience and to communicate that understanding to you. What that means in practice is that there are often parts of ourselves that we're not aware of. I sometimes use music to play those parts of you, so that you can hear it and accept parts of yourself that are pushed down or ignored.

Please see some testimonials from clients below:

'I was so hesitant about getting therapy at the start and even when I was looking but it turned out to be one of the best things I've ever done. I feel like there's a huge weight gone from my shoulders and I'm finally able to accept and look forward to the path I'm on and in doing so it's allowed me to grow and really enjoy who I'm becoming.'

'When I sought out a therapist I was struggling to function and crucially unable to figure out what was causing my pain. Peter helped me slowly unravel my problems so that I could understand them, and then how I could learn to deal with them. The progress we made was incredible, and over time it felt like the fog had been lifted and I was able to enjoy the days again. Peter is warm, patient, non-judgemental, and I would recommend him to anybody looking for a helping hand during a difficult time.'

I work with adults and young people who have come with lots of different issues, such as low-mood, sadness, anxiety, spiritual issues, self--harm and suicidal thoughts and intention. I have worked with clients from a variety of faiths, sexualities and gender.

I can use music in my therapeutic work if it is helpful to the client. Sometimes I improvise music in sessions to feel and understand what may be too difficult for my client to put into words. I can also record the music and send it to the client afterwards. I believe in working with the whole of the person. Not just the mind, the feelings or the body. Music touches all these things together.

I have experience of working with both adults and young people. Sometimes parents want to arrange counselling for their children with me. I always insist that the counselling takes place with the young person, without their parents present, and without me reporting to the parents on any aspects of the work, unless the young client gives permission.

I offer a free online first session for 30 minutes. This is a chance for both of us to work out if I would be a helpful therapist for you. I would also encourage you to try out other therapists so that you can decide who would be the best fit for you. Following the session I will keep the session time free for a week for you to decide whether you would like to start work together.