Elissa Mood Professional Counsellor

I have been self-employed for many years because I enjoy the freedom this provides and recognise that it fits my character. I believe that counsellors need to live a life which feels ‘congruent’ to them, in order to be able to help clients do the same. In other words I do my best to walk the talk! Working for organisations which employ counsellors (e.g. the NHS) always requires some degree of compromise: for example in the ways you can work or how long you can stay with a client. Although I believe that a lot of excellent work is done through such organisations, I personally prefer to give clients what they need rather than what policies dictate. Starting my own business was by far the best way to achieve this.

I believe every person is unique and deserves a therapy which is tailored to them. There are many therapeutic approaches available (CBT, Person-centred, Psychodynamic, Gestalt etc), but I have never met a person who is neatly “fixed” by one of these methods. I am trained in each of these methods, so my approach is to listen deeply and learn as much as I can about who you are and how you got to where you are, before deciding which counselling method might work best for you. Even after selecting a method or combination of methods I would never stick ‘religiously’ to this if I felt it wasn’t working or that your needs were changing. I care deeply about my clients and this makes me work hard in every session to help you get the most from counselling. Similarly, between sessions I read extensively and undertake regular CPD (continuing professional development) to ensure I am as knowledgeable and skilled as possible to help you heal and move forward in your life. I am deeply passionate about the work I do and believe it is my vocation rather than just a job.