Phil Bonehill

I run my practice from my home address in Bedworth. Additionally, every Thursday, I will be available all day at the Baptist Church in Chandos Street Leamington Spa.  Sessions will begin at 9:30 AM, with the last session scheduled to start at 5:00 PM. Each session will last for 50 minutes.

As a person-centred counsellor, my practice is deeply rooted in the belief that each individual possesses an inherent ability to grow, heal, and overcome challenges, given the right conditions. At the heart of this approach lies an unwavering focus on empathy and compassion, two essential qualities that allow for the development of a trusting and therapeutic relationship between myself and my clients

The person-centred approach, developed by Carl Rogers in the mid-20th century, is based on the idea that individuals have an innate drive towards personal growth and self-actualization. This approach is non-directive, meaning that I do not impose my own judgment, solutions, or interpretations on the client. Instead, my clients are viewed as the expert on their own life, and my role as counsellor is to provide an environment where the client can explore their thoughts and feelings freely, without fear of judgment or rejection.

Empathy is a fundamental aspect of the person-centred approach. It involves the ability to deeply understand the client’s experience, not from my perspective as the counsellor, but from the client’s own frame of reference. Empathy is not just about hearing the words the client says but also about sensing the emotions and underlying feelings behind those words. In practice, this means truly being present with the client, attuning to their emotional world, and offering them a safe space to express themselves.

In my practice, empathy is about more than just intellectual understanding. It’s about feeling with the client and having an emotional resonance that allows the client to feel heard, seen, and validated. 

The Chandos Street Baptist Church offers two dedicated counselling rooms for sessions, providing a comfortable and private space for our work together. One room is conveniently located on the ground floor for easy access, while the other is on the first floor. Upon your arrival, I will meet you in the small, welcoming foyer and personally escort you to the designated room for your session.

For your convenience, restrooms are available on both the ground and first floors. If you're driving, there is ample parking nearby, with a large public car park located directly opposite the church, as well as additional paid street parking options. To help you feel at ease, I also offer complimentary tea and coffee, ensuring you can relax and settle in before we begin our session.

In our initial session, we will take time to discuss the therapeutic contract, which outlines the key aspects of our work together. This contract will cover important topics such as confidentiality, session fees, and the cancellation policy, ensuring that you are fully informed about how we will proceed.

This first meeting is primarily a fact-finding session, designed to help me understand more about your needs and goals for therapy. It also provides a valuable opportunity for you to ask any questions or clarify any concerns you may have. There is no pressure in this session; it’s a chance for us to explore whether you feel comfortable and supported in the therapeutic environment. You’ll have the space to discuss what brought you to counselling and how we can best work together moving forward.

I conduct sessions starting at 9 am on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday Friday, and Saturday mornings. The final session of the day is scheduled for 6 pm apart from Saturday.  However, I am flexible and can accommodate appointments after 6 pm if given prior notice. This allows me to meet the varying needs of my clients, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to receive support at a time that suits them best. Whether you prefer a morning or evening session, I strive to offer a range of options to fit your schedule.

I embody empathy, compassion, and understanding in my counselling sessions, creating a nurturing and supportive environment for those seeking guidance and healing. My genuine care and concern for my clients allows them to feel truly seen and heard by fostering trust and openness within the therapeutic relationship.

My empathic nature enables me to connect deeply with the emotions and experiences of my clients, making them feel validated and acknowledged without judgment or criticism. I possess a remarkable ability to put myself in their shoes, which helps me grasp the intricacies of their struggles and challenges, fostering a deeper understanding of their unique perspectives.

Compassion is the cornerstone of my counselling approach. I approach each individual with kindness and genuine concern, allowing them to feel safe to explore their feelings and vulnerabilities. My clients often find solace in my warm and caring demeanour, Knowing that I genuinely care about their journey towards healing and growth.

Furthermore, my exceptional understanding of human nature and psychological dynamics allows me to navigate complex emotional issues with sensitivity and wisdom. I have a keen intuition that helps me uncover underlying issues and patterns that may influence my clients' thoughts and behaviours. With this insight, I can provide tailored guidance and practical tools to empower my clients to overcome challenges and help them to find their inner strength.

My counselling style is solution-oriented and focused on fostering personal growth and self-awareness. I am a person-centred counsellor with an integrative approach. I encourage my clients to embrace their emotions, confront their fears, and explore their authentic selves, promoting a path of self-discovery and self-acceptance.  I can offer subsidised rates for low-earners and students. 

My counselling practice is based in the comfort of my home, where I have a dedicated private room for our sessions. The location offers convenient access, and parking is readily available, ensuring a hassle-free experience for clients.

To enhance your comfort during our sessions, I provide a selection of beverages such as tea, coffee, or cold drinks, allowing you to feel relaxed and at ease.

Rest assured that our discussions will remain undisturbed as I prioritise your privacy and confidentiality. I strictly adhere to The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) ethical guidelines, ensuring that all information shared within our counselling sessions remains confidential at all times.   

 I offer a complimentary 10 to 15 minute telephone consultation. During this time, I ask fundamental questions to better understand the individual I'm speaking with and to allow them to ask any questions or share their concerns.