Buddhika Godakande Arachchige

I have been practicing as a Counsellor/ Psychotherapist over the last 30 years, since my initial training in Client centred Therapy in substance misuse disorders. Later on, I progressed to become a Counsellor/ Psychotherapist, MBACP, a Licensed Neuro-Linguistic Practitioner and a qualified & registered clinical Hypnotherapist.

Academically, I hold a Masters Degree (MA), where I specialised counselling and psychotherapy, a Postgraduate Certificate in Psychological Counselling (PGCPsyCouns-Grade A), and a Professional Practitioner Diploma in Hypnotherapy (Honours), a Diploma in Psychology (distinction) and an advanced Counselling Certificate (distinction)

Apart from BACP, I hold membership of the World Federation of Hypnotherapists (MWFH), the Society of Hypno-analysts (MSHA) and the Association of Neuro-Linguistic Programming UK.

I am eclectic and integrative in practice, using a variety of Psycho therapeutic systems to offer support. I use Hypnosis clinically, to enhance the results and efficiency of therapy, depending on the issue and the suitability. Hypnotherapy has proven to be effective in certain conditions. Some individuals have an special interest in Hypnotherapy. If you are too, we could together decide to include it in your therapy after an assessment, because it may not be suitable for certain conditions. Hence, treatments can be planned according to the needs and wishes.

I can help issues around substance and food dependencies, mind-body issues, anxieties, OCD, phobias, traumas, mood disorders such as Depression, mania and Bi-polar. I can help with pain management where mindfulness, CBT and Hypnosis can be used as main therapies.

I help children and adults in loss and bereavement, anxieties, phobias and other psychological issues.

My practice is built upon client centered therapy where in, you can expect to have that comfortable space to talk, feeling understood, valued and dignified. This process can take some time. Some people may think I am not after that kind of a support but straight on to the issue, hoping solutions. Actually counselling and psychotherapy is not something like that. if the situation is deemed so, we can discuss such dynamics I observe and see how we can move on, in certain conditions it may be feasible to shortly move in to techniques. This balance will depend on the needs you have.  For instance, if you think, you would rather be happy with a techniques driven approach soon, but, in my view, if that would not benefit much or it is not doable, I am going to be honest with you. 

The therapy provided will be in compliance with ethical guidelines of the organisations I have membership with and the law at all times. Hence, all the information you share during the sessions will be treated in extreme confidence, except in certain circumstances, where breach of confidentiality is deemed necessary, such as safeguarding concerns, your own and someone else's safety and, or in the public interest.  

I am happy to offer Home visits if necessary.  

I am usually happy to conduct a brief over the phone assessment free of charge. Following on from that, the first session is used to carry on with an informal assessment in depth in a therapeutic client centered approach. You need to feel you are heard and understood in the end and this itself is therapeutic.