Balvinder Graham

Hi my name is Bel and I am an experienced counsellor and supervisor. Prior to training as a therapist I worked as a children and families social worker in different capacities and so over the years I have accumulated experience of working therapeutically with both adults and children. I work primarily psychodynamically, that is, recognising that often what’s causing difficulties in the present can be sourced to a past event that has resulted in wounds that have been left unprocessed (‘history in the present’). I do however integrate other therapeutic techniques depending on client need and what will ultimately serve and be of benefit to them. I consider the counselling space to be unique and so whether you are struggling with emotional issues resulting from a significant life event, change and/or loss and feel dis-ease it can be a place where you can confidentially share/discharge your thoughts and feelings. My aim is always to listen and facilitate your process through promoting self awareness, helping you gain insight and understanding of your situation so that you can begin to re-gain your own balance and sense of ease. I have over the years witnessed the power of the therapeutic space, and whilst it’s certainly not a miracle cure, and the journey can be challenging emotionally, it is a place where I accept you as you are, and where insight can bring revelation, confidence and a sense of personal growth and peace.

I have experience of working with complex trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, low self esteem, bereavement, pregnancy (trauma) loss, relationship difficulties, identity issues particularly around diversity and adoption etc. Listening is a powerful tool in the healing process but I also work creatively in order to help clients tap into their unconscious which I have consistently found can often bring unexpected but helpful connections.

My on-line work has recently increased due to restrictions resulting from Covid -19. I am very aware that this is a time of increased uncertainty for people where normality has been turned on its head impacting adversely our emotional well-being; counselling support can still be accessed confidentially via telephone and/or through a social media platform.

As a therapist I am aware that taking the step to tend to your emotional well-being can be a big one with this in mind I endeavour to make this first contact/session as relaxed as possible for you. The first session is likely to involve me asking questions in order to establish a sense of what you will need in the context of your own unique experience and to determine whether I have the necessary skills, knowledge and experience to provide this support. At the same time it is important that you feel that we are a good fit so during this first session I will encourage you to be mindful of this. Questions might include what has brought you to counselling and what you hope to get from it. Counselling is undertaken in the context of agreed boundaries so we will talk about how this will happen through a working agreement. This discussion often prompts questions and so this first session provides the space for you to clarify anything you might feel unsure about before our work together commences.