Isabelle Corak-Bywater

I use a person-centered approach because it fits very well with my own philosophy for life. This approach is based on the belief that we are all individual experts on our true selves. It follows that each of us has the ability to live our life to our full potential.

In a sincere, trusting, and non-judgmental therapeutic partnership, we can apply our own strength and imagination to overcome obstacles.

As a person-centered counsellor, my aim is to provide a compassionate and confidential environment, to help you unlock your capacity and inner resourcefulness.

I value authenticity highly, and the quality of the relationship between therapist and client is widely regarded as the most important factor in facilitating effective therapy. The initial session gives you an opportunity to evaluate whether you feel a connection and whether an “honest” rapport can develop between us. In the spirit of Carl Rogers, I ask myself “How can I provide a relationship which this person may use for her/his/their own personal growth?”

It is with this concord that we can have a broad and deep discussion about what works well for you in your life and what does not. 

I mainly practice at The Old Rectory Clinic.

https://www.theoldrectoryclinic.co.uk/

Psychotherapy aims to increase a person’s sense of their own well-being, helping them to become ‘unstuck’, and so to achieve their potential.

There are many different approaches to psychotherapy. The goal of Humanistic therapy is to help people become more self-aware and accepting of themselves. Humanistic therapists focus on conscious rather than unconscious thoughts.

Psychologist Carl Rogers developed client-centered therapy, as he felt that the term “patient” suggested the person seeking help was sick and looking for a cure. This therapy is non-directive. The therapist does not give advice or provide interpretations but helps the client to identify conflicts and understand feelings. Importance is placed on the person taking control of their own life to overcome challenges.

The therapist actively listens to the client, offering acknowledgment, reflection, and clarification. Therapists do not judge clients, they simply accept them for who they are.

Your therapist should demonstrate genuineness, empathy, and acceptance towards you because this helps you become more accepting of yourself, which results in personal growth. 

Session frequency

Meeting once a week for at least six sessions is my usual approach. This allows us to build a solid relationship, which is the basis of any successful therapy.

After six sessions, and based on the nature of the issue you would like to discuss, we can then consider whether you would benefit from additional meetings.

What happens in a session?

Each therapy session lasts for 50 minutes. In the first 50-minute session we will begin by confirming you are happy with my simple contract

In therapy, we explore how you can make a compassionate connection with yourself and others. Together we consider how you want this connection to be refined, emotionally and intellectually, so you can respond to it with your boundaries and personal vision.

This relates to your past experiences, and how you take care of yourself in the present.

Therapy can reveal helpful ways for you to be able to make positive transitions within life challenges. Counselling and psychotherapy is about becoming ‘unstuck’. It is about finding a new freedom and personal liberation where you are in control, and where self-direction is driven by your own insight.

Face-to-face counselling

I offer face-to-face counselling from my practice at The Old Rectory in Iron Action as well as Walk & Talk sessions in Bristol. You will find this a unique experience of being accepted unconditionally, with warmth, and without judgement. One of the aspects making counselling effective is the total confidentiality in which sessions are held.

Online counselling

If for some reason we are unable to meet face-to-face, then I can provide counselling remotely, using Zoom or Facetime. There is no difference in terms of content, confidentiality, fees, etc. Please contact me if you would like to know more about this facility.