Adam Newman

I am flexible with my working days, and can offer sessions during the week depending on my current availability. Times and days for counselling can be discussed in the initial consultation. I will be as flexible as I can and may be able to make adjustments as much as practically possible.

My general working times are from 9.30am - 7.00pm during weekdays.

As an ‘integrative’ counsellor, I believe that a single therapeutic approach may not help with every issue that is being experienced, as each client presents with their own unique and individual needs. As such, my approach draws upon techniques from different models of therapy. Generally speaking, I adopt a primarily psychodynamic stance in the therapeutic relationship. In this space, we will look at elements of your past experiences that might be contributing to your present difficulties. By exploring these memories, we can gain a greater understanding of the influence they may be exerting on our current thoughts, feelings, and behaviour. To broaden this dynamic approach, from experience I recognise that, while we are all individual, existential concerns can be applicable to all and cause us unease: mortality, meaning in our life, and a feeling of isolation from the world or ourselves. I believe that self-awareness is a key aspect of growth and recovery, and this is where I also incorporate parts of Gestalt therapy, where we focus on the immediate here-and-now experiences; what is happening from one moment to the next. Understanding of not just the past, but of our immediate thoughts, feelings and behaviour, and our patterns of relating can help us gain further insight and new perspectives. Integration of various approaches helps to inform my way of working and to create a more individualized counselling experience.

Underlying this way of working, Humanistic (person-centred) aspects provide a foundation for all my work. Our work together is focused on you, and what you would like to use your counselling time for to gain greater insight and clarity. The relational part of the therapeutic relationship can sometimes be the most reparative.

I am a qualified, integrative counsellor with experience of working with both adults and young people. Experiencing difficulties in life, while this may be inevitable, can be incredibly painful and isolating. My aim within my practise is to foster a safe, non-judgmental, and empathic environment, where you can freely explore your concerns and worries. Taking that first step in counselling and finding the right therapist can be a daunting prospect, so I will endeavour to make sure that you feel as comfortable as possible.

My career involves over six years in health and social care, specifically supporting adults with learning disabilities and other complex needs.

In my counselling career, I have worked at West Suffolk College as a student counsellor. I have also worked at MTCIC, providing counselling to adults over the age of 18. Currently, I work with 4YP in Ipswich, offering short-term counselling sessions for young people.

Some areas I have worked with in my practise include:

• Depression and anxiety
• Low confidence and self-esteem
• Autism and Asperger's Syndrome
• Anger
• Traumatic experiences
• Self-harm
• Bereavement.

I often implement creative techniques with clients. I find that the use of imagination and the freedom to express ourselves through the arts helps to aid our processes where using words might be difficult. I hold qualifications in Art, Graphic Design, and Music Performance that have enhanced this side of my practise through the transferable skills they provide.

As a member of the BACP, I regularly access CPD materials and courses to inform my practice and broaden my knowledge and skills.

I believe that a positive and trusting relationship between the counsellor and client is paramount to therapeutic change, and as such I offer an initial consultation to see if I am the right fit for you before we commence with therapy. I can offer both face-to-face and online counselling.

In our first session together, we will go through the counselling contract and discuss some important pieces of information, including the limits of confidentiality. At this point, we can begin by looking at your reasons for accessing counselling and crystallizing any goals you may have. Furthermore, it gives you the chance to ask me any questions you might have and get to know me, and also decide if I am the right person for you.