Diane Slawinski
Person Centred Counselling and Supervision in Marsden and Online
Working With Me
My Approach
I practice Person-Centred counselling, an approach that puts you at the heart of the therapeutic process. This means I believe you're the expert on your own life and experiences. My role is to provide a safe, non-judgmental space where you can explore your thoughts and feelings freely. I won't tell you what to do or give advice; instead, I'll support you in finding your own solutions and path forward.
In our sessions, I'll listen attentively, reflect back on what I'm hearing, and sometimes ask questions to help you delve deeper into your experiences. The aim is to help you gain a better understanding of yourself, your patterns, and your needs. This self-awareness often leads to personal growth and positive change.
Trauma
Trauma is more common than many people realise. It's not just about big, life-threatening events - trauma can result from any experience that overwhelms our ability to cope. This could be a one-time event, like an accident or assault, or ongoing situations like childhood neglect or domestic abuse.
Trauma can affect us in many ways. You might experience flashbacks, nightmares, or feel constantly on edge. Or you might notice less obvious signs like difficulty trusting others, low self-esteem, or unexplained physical symptoms. Whatever your experience, trauma therapy can help you process these experiences and reduce their impact on your daily life.
In our work together, we'll go at your pace, using techniques that help you feel safe and in control. The goal is not just to manage symptoms, but to help you heal and thrive.
Bereavement and Loss
Grief is a natural response to loss, but that doesn't make it any easier to bear. While we often associate grief with the death of a loved one, loss can take many forms. You might be grieving the end of a relationship, the loss of a job, a miscarriage, or even the loss of a future you had imagined for yourself.
Each person's grief is unique. There's no 'right' way to grieve, and no set timeline for healing. You might feel a range of emotions - sadness, anger, guilt, relief - sometimes all at once. These feelings can be overwhelming and confusing.
In our sessions, I provide a space where you can express all these feelings without judgment. We'll work together to help you navigate your grief, find ways to honour your loss, and gradually adjust to your new reality. Remember, healing doesn't mean forgetting; it means finding a way to carry your loss with you as you move forward.
Initial Consultation
I offer a free 30-minute telephone consultation. This gives us a chance to get to know each other a little better, and you can ask any questions you might have. There's no obligation to continue after this consultation; it’s simply an opportunity to see if we’re a good fit to work together.
Frequently Asked Questions
There's no one-size-fits-all answer, but generally, you might consider counselling if you're experiencing persistent emotional distress, struggling to cope with life changes, or finding that your usual ways of handling problems aren't working. Some signs that counselling could be helpful include:
- Feeling overwhelmed, sad, or anxious more often than not
- Struggling with relationships or communication
- Experiencing difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Noticing changes in your sleep or eating patterns
- Dealing with trauma or loss
- Feeling stuck or unable to move forward in life
Remember, you don't need to be in crisis to benefit from counselling. Sometimes, just having a space to explore your thoughts and feelings can be incredibly valuable. If you're unsure, our initial consultation can help you decide if counselling is right for you at this time.
When you start, you may already have an idea of how many sessions you'd like. We can arrange a set amount or keep the therapy open-ended. Either way, we'll review the length every few weeks. Generally, longer-term therapy may allow for more exploration and a deeper therapeutic relationship.
I usually offer weekly sessions lasting 60 minutes. This regularity helps us build a relationship where you feel safe enough to explore the issues causing you concern.
The first session is a bit different as it focuses on information gathering. I'll need to collect some details from you, including emergency contact information, to ensure I can work with you safely. I'll also explain my confidentiality policies during this meeting.
Your privacy is very important to me. I'm committed to being a good custodian of your personal information, working within current legislation, following my insurers' requirements, and adhering to the BACP Ethical Framework. We'll discuss confidentiality in detail at our first meeting. You can view my Privacy Policy on this website for more information.
For remote counselling sessions, I use the Zoom app or telephone. If you have any questions about using Zoom, we can discuss these in the initial consultation.
For remote counselling, it's important to consider your physical privacy. Do you have a space where you can talk freely without interruptions for an hour? Also, think about your internet connection. Can you secure a good connection, or is this difficult to manage with other users? We'll discuss internet privacy in our first session.
Get in touch
Thank you for considering counselling with me. Taking the first step can be daunting, but it's also the beginning of a journey towards positive change and personal growth. I'm here to support you every step of the way.
If you have any questions or would like to arrange an initial consultation, please don't hesitate to contact me. I aim to respond to all enquiries within 24 hours.
Please provide your name, email address, and a brief message about what you're seeking help with. Rest assured, all information shared will be treated with the utmost confidentiality.
I look forward to hearing from you and potentially working together on your counselling journey.