Tom Horner

I am currently taking on new clients. My availability is primarily in the evenings but I do also have availability during the day time, please get in touch if this is something that you would prefer.

I am a BACP member (Accredited) Person Centred Counsellor; this means that the values of acceptance, honesty and empathy are central to my practice.  Whatever content you may bring to our work together, I will provide you with a calm and restorative environment where we can reduce your immediate levels of stress. From this point, we can go on to discuss the root of these pressures to better understand and resolve them. Although this humanistic approach can be applied to all areas, I have observed that it can be particularly helpful in coming to peace with sources of shame and guilt, which underlie most of our psychological difficulties, as well as achieving closure for past negative events that continue to impact your day to day life. 

Personal Experience:

Having done academic courses at a number of higher learning institutions, the University of York, York St John's and York College, I have a large amount of personal experience regarding the obstacles that these endeavours can bring. Additionally, during my counselling work, I have seen a number of ways through which a complicated work life can disrupt one’s personal life and vice versa, leading to breakdowns in coping strategies, a fall-off in capacity to function and a loss of one's overall enjoyment of life. Person Centred Therapy is aptly suited to combat these challenges and over time can bring about a total transformation in perspective, leading to an appreciation for day-to-day life and what the future can bring.

My previous academic research into mental health has focussed on Songwriting Therapy, where lyrics are used to explore one's perspective as well as to document these explorations for future consideration. Through this work, I have gained a deep respect for the power of symbolism and metaphors and how unrestrained creativity can be used to reveal and explore one’s inner workings. This approach is something we could utilise in our work through writing, poetry, art or any other creative avenue.

During our work together I will utilise Person Centred counselling methods and techniques to assist you in achieving a better understanding of your innermost self as well as why you may have arrived at where you are today. This process can be incredibly revealing while also providing an opportunity for closure or release in regards to pent up emotions and thoughts.

Our sessions are also an opportunity to talk about any challenges you may be facing, reflect upon what you are thankful for, discuss where you would like to progress and get to know know more about your life as a whole. However, the direction of our sessions is very much up to you depending upon what you feel would be of most benefit.

Your first session will be at the discounted rate of £30, progressing to £40 for subsequent sessions. At the start of our first session we will complete the contracting process, providing us both with the legal and ethical grounding that is required for effective practice. This is also an opportunity for you to ask any questions about the contract or my counselling practice as a whole.