Abby Van Gerven
Member Status: Accredited
Member No: NCS15-02650
Location: Fareham
I have found that so many people hide their turmoil and sadness, and that by offering an open forum to speak freely, people can actually heal themselves. Many people are held back by negative experiences in their lives, through no fault of their own. People can feel pressure to bury these feelings for fear of stigma and judgement, and so the hidden struggle continues. What perhaps we don’t seem to realise is that we are not alone. Many people feel the same way. So we are all together in the darkness of our feelings of solitude, and all we need to do to step out into the light is to speak to one another. I know this from personal experience.
Since my discovery of this, I have worked extensively with children and adults with Mental Health issues, and have 15 years experience doing so. Through the guidance of a trained counsellor, the process of healing is even more effective. I have experience of working as a support worker and counsellor, both for the public and voluntary sectors, as well as privately. I have experience with a wide range of issues including low self-esteem, low confidence, anxiety, relationship issues, abuse, bereavement and grief, work pressures, bullying, depression and military service family life pressures, just to name a few.
What I can offer to you;
Sometimes it can be difficult to speak to those we know as we fear being judged or fear that we could place unnecessary burdens upon them. What I can offer you is a safe, welcoming and confidential place to explore those issues. I offer Person-Centred counselling; this means that I am non-judgemental and I won’t tell you what to do. I will, however, guide you through the healing process, provide understanding, empathy, acceptance and warmth. I will never push you disclose things you are not ready to talk about. Together we will explore the things that are troubling you to help you to gain insights into your situation. Counselling is designed to give you the tools to build up your self-confidence and self-esteem and empower you to help find a way towards self-healing and personal growth. There are some things in life that cannot be changed, but we can alter the way we feel about them; our journey together will help you manage your emotions around these experiences in a more positive way. I am bound by confidentiality in our sessions, so you can feel free to talk openly and know all that is said will remain confidential.
