Cognitive Behavioural Therapist, free counselling and self-help advice

I am experienced at developing a therapeutic alliance with the client, forming a conceptualisation of the client and educating the client about the disorder and the Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) model. From this point I use specialist CBT techniques specific to the disorder.

Contact me to discuss your needs, then if we are both happy further sessions can be arranged.

Contact: Nilima Hamid

Mobile: 07555 254 517

Email: info@forwardcounselling.com

Telephone Counselling

Please phone between 7pm and 10 pm and ask for the Forward Counselling Advice Service.

E-Therapy

Please contact me at info@forwardcounselling.com to discuss your needs. Initially you will be given a one-time consultation session of E-therapy. On mutual agreement further sessions can be arranged. An email and response constitutes one E-therapy session.

You would send me an email with an explanation of your situation, identifying your concerns, issues or dilemmas. All information will be kept confidential.

My response depends on the information you provide. The advantage of E-therapy over talking is that writing slows down the process of communication and promotes critical thinking and self-reflection, which in turn can expand your own understanding of your problems. By writing things down you can stand away from your concerns, see how realistic your worries are and what really bothers you. Writing helps to process emotions and organize your thoughts thus facilitating problem-solving.

In your email you may consider the following information or more. Make sure the information is relevant to your problems.

• Your first name or name you are used to being called
• Full name, phone number and address are preferred, but not essential
• Address and telephone number of general practitioner
• Age, gender and family composition
• Mental state e.g. anxiety, depression
• Main concern bothering you at this point in time
• The effect/consequences of this problem in your life
• Length of time that this problem has been in your life
• Ways you have attempted to deal with the identified problems: What has helped you cope and what has not helped?
• Your view of your problems
• Describe the situations/environments/events that trigger distress
• The symptoms you experience such as:
  1. Moods/Emotions (Feelings - anger, guilt, shame…)
  2. Behavioural (Your actions/Lack of actions - Poor self-care, reduced activity levels and social withdrawal)
  3. Physiological/Physical reactions (Bodily sensations - loss of appetite, nausea, poor sleep)
  4. Cognitive [Negative automatic thoughts, Conditional beliefs/Assumptions, Core beliefs/Schemas] - poor concentration, self-obsession, low self-esteem, negative self-image, ideas of self harm.
  5. Past/Present life situation - (work, relationships, finances etc)
• Describe your motivation (Loss of interest or pleasure, everything requires too much effort, and indecision)
• Any past or present physical complaints? If so, what treatment are you getting (or have got) for these?
• Any past or present psychiatric complaints? If so, what treatment are you getting (or have got) for these?
• Past experiences with therapy?
• Are you on any form of medication at this time?
• Is there anyone in your immediate family who is suffering (or has suffered) from a psychiatric complaint?
• Marital status? Are you currently married or in a committed relationship? Describe how content you are in your relationship and any concerns.
• Do you have children? If so, age and sex of each? Do you take care of anyone (e.g. elderly parent/s or an invalid spouse)? Describe how you feel about these responsibilities.
• If you are single, do you desire to be in a relationship? Does being single distress you?
• Relevant background information that might help me understand your situation more fully, such as: occupation, education, career path, personality style, significant relationships, family and cultural background, important values or beliefs, stresses, losses, or change in your life, supports in your life, religion/spirituality
• Social problems e.g. benefits, legal problems, accommodation/living arrangements – with whom are you living at present?
• How much alcohol do you drink per week? How is this total divided up between different days of the week?
• How much tea, coffee or cola do you drink per day?
• Do you smoke?
• Do you use (or have used) recreational drugs?
• Have you ever been in trouble with the police? If so, why?
• Other challenges you are trying to deal with in addition to your main concern
• What do you hope to get from on-line counselling?
• At the end summarize your most pressing need or question at this point in time.