Elizabeth Dougan

I have been working in the field of counselling/psychotherapy and education for many years. I have a postgraduate diploma in Person-Centred Counselling and a Certificate in Children and Young People's Counselling, along with a Certificate in Therapeutic Play.

I am a registered member of the BACP and therefore I am bound by their code of ethics and my work is subject to their complaints procedure. I myself, at various times in my life, have engaged with counselling and so appreciate the value and importance of a good therapeutic relationship.

I am an experienced counsellor offering counselling/psychotherapy and play therapy to individuals looking for support. My usual approach is Person-Centred, however I can work in a more integrative way if it is considered helpful.  I offer a non-judgemental, safe and confidential space in which you can explore whatever issues are affecting you in your life. 

My aim is to support you in such a way that it enables you to explore and discover the solutions and answers that are best for you. You are the expert on your life and I believe, with the right support, you can find the perfect way through these issues for you. My role is to facilitate, support and accompany you on this journey.  No two people are the same and that means no two outcomes for individuals are the same.

Counselling can be useful to talk through day to day issues you might be experiencing in your life that are causing you concern or difficulty, however, it may also be helpful if you are experiencing a specific issue, such as bereavement, depression, relationship difficulties, childhood experiences and loss. You do not have to have a specific issue to come for counselling.  People attend counselling for any number of reasons, and sometimes it is just to try and sort out what feels like a bit of confusion or talk through things that are causing them concern.

COUNSELLING

Counselling sessions are 1-1 and last 50 minutes. They are completely confidential and usually take place weekly or fortnightly depending on what best suits you. The number of sessions you have is entirely your choice and I offer an open ended agreement. This means that after your first session, if you feel another would be beneficial we can arrange that, and continue this process as long as you wish. You can also end the process at any time. The cost for a session is £45.

Counselling can be useful to talk through day to day issues you might be experiencing that are causing you concern or difficulty, however, it may also be helpful if you are experiencing a specific issue, such as bereavement, depression, relationship difficulties, childhood experiences or loss.

PLAY THERAPY

Play therapy sessions are 1-1 sessions in the playroom. Play therapy is a therapeutic process that is completely person-led using play and our interaction to allow the unconscious processing of experiences and making sense of the world.  It enables a therapeutic process to happen without the need for words or explanations of what the individual is experiencing. This is especially useful for children as they often do not have the vocabulary or emotional literacy to express what they are feeling.  

These sessions are completely confidential. A session  lasts 45 minutes and would generally take place on a weekly basis. It is essential that the individual is wanting to attend, so I will not be able to work with individuals who are attending because someone else wants them to or feels it would be beneficial for them. The cost for a session is £45, however, the first introductory session would be free.  

Play therapy may be helpful in a variety of situations, such as chronic illness, developmental delay, issues in behaviour at school, aggressive or angry behaviour, family issues (eg. divorce, separation, adoption, bereavement), significant loss, anxiety, bullying and withdrawn and individuals.

I am happy to chat with you and answer any questions you may have if you are unsure about whether counselling would be beneficial and I offer a first introductory session free of charge. This provides the opportunity for us to meet and chat through any expectations, and ask any questions, you may have. It allows you to discern whether you feel working together would be helpful and something you would like to continue. 

The first introductory Play Therapy session is free of charge and would last around 30 minutes and involve meeting with the individual, and if under 16 the parent/carer/referrer, explaining the process, looking around the playroom and deciding whether this is something the individual wants to continue with.