Jennifer Spencer DIP INTEGRATIVE COUNSELLING MBACP

About Me

I am an integrative counselor/psychotherapist incorporating psychodynamic, humanistic, systemic and existential approaches. This means that my work draws on the theories and techniques of a number of schools of therapy depending on the emotional needs of the client.

I trained as a Couples Counselor at Relate in 2004 where I received my Foundation in Couple Counselling Certificate through the University of East London. This work incorporated a systemic and psychodynamic approach and the work included many aspects of relationship problems including communication difficulties, coping with the arrival of children and the stress of having a young family, step family issues, separation, divorce, isolation, anger, depression, feeling invisible or unheard and the stress of everyday living.

I continued to study at the university of Roehampton where I attained a diploma in integrative counselling/ psychotherapy which allows me to offer counselling to individuals including young adults 14 years plus. Clients problems have ranged from health concerns, including psychical symptoms such as headaches and panic attacks, low self-esteem as a result of being bullied. Attachment and abandonment issues. Anger management, stress of everyday living, depression, loneliness, worthlessness, image dissatisfaction and anxiety caused by isolation, meaningless and death. I am also happy to work with any other issues which are concerning my clients.

Counselling

Talking with a therapist could help clients to come to terms with, or overcome psychological problems, confidentially explore and challenge existing thoughts or patterns of behavior, clients may gain a better insight and deeper understanding of themselves.

Through the supportive experience of being in counselling clients may be able to make sense of their experiences and begin to express, trust and like themselves more. Counselling/psychotherapy is not a "cure" or an advisory service, rather an opportunity to safely explore past and present experiences/circumstances and giving meaning to experiences.

The counselor may be able to help make links between past and present experiences to help gain insight to the origin of the problem. However the client is the only one who can say if these links are meaningful or correct. By understanding a situation, experience or aspect of themselves clients can feel less trapped in the past, less isolated, lonely, angry or distressed as a new way of thinking or behaving is achieved.

Being in counselling/therapy is not always easy but people who are willing to work closely with their counselor/therapist may find relief from emotional distress and can lead more fulfilling and productive lives.